Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has blocked legislation aimed at withholding paychecks for lawmakers during the ongoing government shutdown. The proposal, known as the No Budget, No Pay Act, was introduced by Senator Rick Scott of Florida, who sought unanimous consent to pass the bill on the Senate floor. Markey’s objection came during a debate on the measure, which has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of elected officials amid the current funding lapse.
The bill was proposed as many federal employees, including congressional staffers, continue to report for duty without receiving their pay. The shutdown, which has now lasted for 37 days, has led to increasing frustration among federal workers who are impacted by the absence of funding. Senator Scott highlighted the need for lawmakers to defer their salaries, stating, “If he’s willing to defer his paycheck, why wouldn’t he allow my bill to pass that all of us should defer our paychecks until government gets open again.” He emphasized the importance of reopening the government as a priority.
Markey has expressed his own willingness to defer his salary until the government reopens. Nonetheless, not all Democrats share the same sentiment. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona recently indicated that he could not afford to forgo his government salary during this funding lapse. When questioned about his plans regarding his paycheck, he expressed irritation, underscoring the personal financial challenges some lawmakers face during the shutdown.
Members of Congress are entitled to an annual base salary of $174,000, with higher compensation for those in leadership roles. This salary is guaranteed under Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution, which has become a point of contention during the current crisis.
As discussions continue, Markey has criticized his Republican colleagues, accusing them of “holding the health care of Americans hostage.” He has urged Republicans to engage in negotiations regarding health care demands to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing shutdown. In response, Senator Scott asserted that Republicans would not consider Democratic proposals until they take action to reopen the government, stating, “You don’t do it by shutting down government and making sure our military doesn’t get paid…”
Senate Republicans have expressed growing discontent regarding what they perceive as the Democrats’ willingness to prolong the funding lapse, despite its toll on constituents. Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked, “We did clean continuing resolutions to keep the government funded, and they tried to hijack it, take it hostage.” He suggested that this may be an attempt to appease their left-wing base.
Senator Markey, who has served in Congress since 1976, faces a competitive challenge in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primary from Representative Seth Moulton. Moulton has framed his campaign around the need for generational change within the party, highlighting the shifting dynamics in Massachusetts politics.
The ongoing debate about lawmakers’ pay and the government shutdown reflects broader concerns about governance and accountability in Washington. As the situation unfolds, the implications for federal workers and the public at large remain significant, with many awaiting a resolution that will restore normalcy to government operations.
