ARE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS GETTING PAID DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
ARE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS GETTING PAID DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
FACT BRIEF
Michael Klinski South Dakota News Watch
YES. Members of the United States Senate and House are still receiving paychecks during the government shutdown, though some lawmakers are looking to change that. Since 1983, Congress’ pay has been funded by a permanent appropriation, and their paychecks aren’t subject to annual renewal. However, at least 20 lawmakers have asked to have their pay withheld. U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin, Sen. John Kennedy, R-Lousiana, and others are introducing legislation that would eliminate paychecks for senators and representatives during shutdowns. Members of Congress earn $174,000 annually, while the Speaker of the House earns $223,500 and Senate majority and minority leaders, including South Dakota Sen. John Thune, earn $193,400. As of 2015, the median net worth of Congress was $1.1 million — 12 times greater than the average U.S. household. The government has been shut down for 36 days as of Nov. 6, the longest in history. Sources: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bryan Steil introduces bill to prohibit Congress from being paid during shutdowns; FoxNews.com, Kennedy pushes plan to halt Congress pay during government shutdown; CBSNews, Does Congress get paid during a government shutdown?; Congress.gov, Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief; Straight Arrow News, Here are the lawmakers who are giving up their paychecks during the government shutdown; Quartz, The typical US Congress member is 12 times richer than the typical American household South Dakota News Watch partners with Gigafact to publish fact briefs that refute or confirm a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context. Submit a question for us to answer on the South Dakota News Watch Tipline. Send questions or feedback to factbrief@ sdnewswatch.org. This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch. org and sign up for an email to get stories when they're published. Contact Michael Klinski at michael.klinski@ sdnewswatch.org