As hundreds of thousands of federal workers face delayed paychecks and potential layoffs during one of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history, members of Congress continue to receive their full salaries.
Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov weighed in on social media, writing, “They make more than $170,000 per year. They work less than they take vacation.”
Her comment came in response to journalist Jamie Dupree, who noted that the House has only held 20 working days over the past 16 weeks.
Shutdown Hits Workers, Not Lawmakers
The current government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has already surpassed previous full shutdown records. If it stretches past Tuesday, it will become the second-longest in U.S. history overall.
Federal employees deemed essential must continue working without pay for now, while others are furloughed at home.
Both groups will receive back pay once Congress passes new funding legislation.
Contractors, however, may never see compensation for their missed work. According to the Office of Management and Budget, permanent layoffs could occur if the impasse drags on.
Despite the shutdown, members of Congress remain paid due to a permanent appropriation established in 1983.
Their salaries are protected under Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution. Most lawmakers earn $174,000 annually, while House Speaker Mike Johnson makes $223,500.
The president, whose $400,000 salary is also protected by the Constitution, continues to be paid. However, many executive branch employees have been furloughed.
This week, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration furloughed about 1,400 workers responsible for maintaining the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
Political Standoff Drags On
The Senate has now failed 11 times to pass a funding resolution. Senate Democrats continue to block the House’s proposal, which lacks healthcare subsidy extensions under the Affordable Care Act.
Democrats say those subsidies are vital as they are set to expire at the end of the year.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House on an extended recess since mid-September.
He blamed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for the standoff, saying, “We’ve explained from the very beginning, the shutdown is about one thing and one thing alone: Chuck Schumer’s political survival.”
Meanwhile, fractures are appearing inside the Republican ranks. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Johnson’s decision to recess, saying on X, “The House should be in session working. We should be finishing appropriations. Our committees should be working. We should be passing bills that make President Trump’s executive orders permanent. I have no respect for the decision to refuse to work.”
Backlash Over Congressional Pay
Public criticism has grown as lawmakers continue to be paid while essential government functions stall.
In past shutdowns, members of both parties proposed bills to withhold congressional pay during funding lapses, but none have gained traction.
The 27th Amendment prevents any immediate change to their compensation.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett speculated the stalemate could end soon, saying on CNBC, “I think the [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer shutdown is likely to end some time this week.”
As the shutdown continues to disrupt public services and strain federal workers, lawmakers’ full pay and limited working days are drawing increasing scrutiny, especially as the holidays approach and political tensions escalate.