Lawmakers Pause Pay as Shutdown Enters Third Week

The federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 has entered its third week, and several federal lawmakers are declining or requesting their pay be withheld in solidarity with unpaid federal workers. Rhode Island’s full delegation — Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo — have asked to pause their pay until the government reopens. Connecticut members including Reps. John Larson, Rosa DeLauro and Joe Courtney have similarly refused pay or pledged to donate salaries, and Larson has introduced a bill to ensure federal workers are paid during future shutdowns while blocking congressional and executive pay. Legal experts note congressional pay is set by law and constitutionally guaranteed, so the Treasury may not be forced to withhold compensation, though offices can escrow or donate funds. Critics say many House Republicans continue to collect pay during the shutdown while furloughed federal employees go without.