Which members of the Senate are taking paychecks during the shutdown?

Members of Congress are in a unique position during a federal government shutdown. While the Constitution guarantees their pay, many senators have chosen not to accept their salaries or are donating them to show solidarity with federal workers affected by the shutdown.

As of the latest tally by ABC News, at least 55 out of 100 U.S. senators have opted to forego their pay or donate it during the shutdown. This includes 26 Republicans, 28 Democrats, and 1 independent. The offices of 27 Republicans, 17 Democrats, and 1 independent have not responded to inquiries about their pay status.

The decision to forgo pay is seen as a gesture of empathy towards federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay. Prof. Casey Burgat from George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management explained that lawmakers want to demonstrate that they understand the hardships faced by federal workers and should not be advantaged while those they are responsible for are suffering.

While both Republican and Democratic senators are withholding their salaries, they are also using this opportunity to point fingers at each other. This tactic is part of the messaging strategy to shift blame onto the opposing party for the government shutdown.

Some senators have confirmed that they are donating their salaries to various causes. For example, Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., is donating to health care and Meals on Wheels, while Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., is giving her salary to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., is donating his salary to a program that connects people with jobs.

However, not all senators are able to forego their pay. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., explained that he cannot skip his paycheck as he is not wealthy and has financial obligations such as rent, mortgage, and child support payments.

It is important to note that under the Constitution, members of Congress are required to be paid. While some senators are choosing to donate their salaries, others may still be accepting their pay. Lawmakers who introduce bills to impose financial penalties on themselves during a shutdown, like Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

In conclusion, the decision by senators to forego their pay during a government shutdown is a complex issue. While it is a gesture of solidarity with federal workers, it also raises questions about the financial needs of lawmakers and the constitutional requirement for their compensation. The debate around this issue continues to evolve as senators navigate the challenges of governing during a shutdown.