Posted on 10/15/2025 6:29:39 AM PDT by TigerClaws
Washington — Hundreds of thousands of federal employees could soon go without pay or face potential layoffs, since a government shutdown went into effect on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
The GOP-controlled House passed a bill earlier this month to extend government funding until Nov. 21, but the bill stalled in the Senate, where Democratic votes were needed to advance it. Democrats wanted an extension of health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans opposed. With hours left before the midnight deadline Wednesday, the Senate voted down two competing Democratic and Republican proposals to keep the government funded.
Under the shutdown, federal employees in critical positions are required to stay on the job. Many others will be forced to stay home. Both groups will have their paychecks delayed until Congress approves more spending. Most federal contractors might not get paid at all.
Here's what the shutdown means for lawmakers themselves — and their paychecks. Will members of Congress get paid during a government shutdown?
The short answer is yes. Lawmakers will continue to draw a paycheck.
The reason is because of how their pay is treated under the Constitution and federal law. Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution states: "The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." Lawmakers' pay has been funded by a permanent appropriation since 1983, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report, meaning funding for their pay doesn't need to be renewed annually.
Members' pay rate is set by a process established by federal law, and the 27th Amendment says any law to change their pay can't take effect until after the next congressional election.
Most members earn a salary of $174,000 per year, a rate that has not changed since 2009. The speaker of the House earns $223,500, while the president pro tempore of the Senate and the party leaders in both chambers make $193,400.
When it comes to other federal entities, the law that governs how they must act during a lapse in funding is known as the Antideficiency Act. In short, it says that federal agencies generally can't spend more money than Congress has approved. This means many agencies must furlough employees — that is, tell them to stay home — if they haven't received funding.
There are some exceptions. Some programs, like Social Security and Medicare, have permanent funding, and benefits continue to be paid out as normal. Employees whose jobs are necessary to protect life and property must also stay on the job. Those whose roles are authorized by other laws can keep working, as can officials with constitutional responsibilities.
When it comes to congressional staffers, each office determines which employees are deemed essential and thus allowed to keep working during a shutdown. Most are expected to keep all or nearly all of their employees on board, though the staffers won't be paid until more funding is approved. Does the president get paid during a shutdown?
Yes. The Constitution prohibits reducing the pre
So, a majority of Republicans are getting paid, in both houses. Woohoo! Winning! /sarc
Uh, most of the investment geniuses can miss a few chks. But still whine if needed.
It seems that we don’t really need these people interfering in our lives.
Who knew?
“Hundreds of thousands of federal employees could soon go without pay or face potential layoffs,”
Fire literally a million of them, many less to pay...eventually.
Some lawmakers are declining to be paid during the shutdown. Ted Cruz said he told whatever bureau cuts the checks to hold his during the shutdown
When it comes to other federal entities, the law that governs how they must act during a lapse in funding is known as the Antideficiency Act. In short, it says that federal agencies generally can't spend more money than Congress has approved.
They shouldn't be able to spent more than Congress has approved anyway.
Some lawmakers are declining to be paid during the shutdown. Ted Cruz said he told whatever bureau cuts the checks to hold his during the shutdown
I went to the feds do not call registry. ITS ALL AUTOMATED BUT THEY SHUT IT DOWN ANYWAY since Oct. 1.
Punish us again.
Federal Trade Commission Do Not Call Registry
Government Shutdown Notice
Due to the government shutdown, we are unable to offer this website service at this time.
Information about unwanted calls can be found on the FTC’s website at: National Do Not Call Registry | Consumer Information
We will resume normal operations when the government is funded.
Aviso de cierre del gobierno
Debido al cierre del gobierno, no podemos ofrecer este servicio de esta página de internet en este momento.
Puede encontrar información acerca de las llamadas no deseadas en el sitio web de la FTC en: https://www.consumidor.ftc.gov/articulos/s0108-registro-nacional-no-llame
Nosotros reanudaremos el funcionamiento normal cuando el gobierno esté financiado.
a—holes gotta be in spanish too
Congress gets paid more off the clock than on.
Do they pay taxes? I should be a sit down comedian.
Maybe not - but illegals in Los Angeles will.
“Los Angeles County officials voted Tuesday to provide assistance for residents they say have suffered financially from ongoing federal immigration raids.
The move allows the LA County Board of Supervisors to provide rent relief for tenants who have fallen behind as a result of the crackdown on immigrants.”
Legal aid as well.
There’s a government shutdown? Who knew?
It’s the law that they get paid, opting out of getting paid can’t happen until after a new election….been on the books a long time, I wonder how the vote went when the critters protected their pay during shutdowns.
Does their staff get paid from the same fund? If not, I kind of hope this shutdown goes on for a while and the staffers have to find real jobs somewhere. And no back pay!!
Buh Bye....
Loser
The latest I’m hearing is that Trump had a stroke and is NOT running our government! May the truth come out soon. May it be May it be so!"
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