Sen. Husted backs bill to prohibit member pay during government shutdown

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today joined Sen. Rick Scott’s (R-Fla.) No Budget, No Pay Act. This bipartisan bill would stop lawmakers from receiving their salaries until both the House and the Senate fund the government.

“I voted to keep the government open. But even still, if Congress can’t accomplish its most basic responsibility of funding the government, lawmakers shouldn’t be paid. There must be consequences when we fail to do our jobs. While military personnel, air traffic controllers and other federal employees are being asked to work without pay, it’s only right that members of Congress don’t keep collecting a paycheck. That’s why I’m supporting this bill to hold Congress accountable and help end the dysfunction in Washington,” Husted said.

Background:

On Oct. 1, 2025, government funding expired, triggering a shutdown. As a result, government employees across the country may be required to work without pay. The No Budget, No Pay Act would make sure that members of Congress don’t receive a paycheck if Congress does not pass a budget resolution or appropriations by the end of a fiscal year, which triggers a shutdown. This legislation prohibits back pay for members of Congress during periods of time that the government is not properly funded.