Congress should lead by example when government grinds to a halt

  If a shutdown occurs because politicians can't agree on basic spending priorities, their own paychecks ought to be the first to stop—no exceptions. The American people shouldn't bear the burden alone while those in Washington continue cashing checks funded by taxpayers. This isn't about punishing public servants; it's about restoring accountability. Essential workers like military personnel, air traffic controllers, and border agents often face real hardship during shutdowns, yet Congress has insulated itself with automatic pay protections. Forcing lawmakers to feel the same pinch would incentivize swift resolutions instead of endless partisan games. The idea resonates because it reflects core fairness: those who create the problem shouldn't be shielded from its consequences. Putting Congress at the front of the line to forgo pay during a shutdown would remind every elected official that their duty is to the people they serve—not to their own bank accounts. It's time to end the double standard and demand real leadership from the Capitol. --

I agree with that. Not sure it would really change their behavior but they should lose pay during a shutdown. 

I agree.

I agree.

I will add that I also think they should lose pay if not present during sessions. Especially if there is a vote that day. 

If they skip a day of work they should lose a day of pay. 

That sounds superficially attractive, and of course plays into the "blame them for the shutdown, we'll fix THEM, bwa ha ha" narrative, but aside from being ineffective (they wouldn't be more than mildly inconvenienced), such a policy is fundamentally wrong. The job of Congress is not to pass legislation per se. It's to CONSIDER legislation and pass it if agreement is reached. Therefore, if they don't pass a budget, they're still doing their jobs.

Also, from the point of view of their constituents, if they vote against a bill their constituents don't want, they're definitely doing their jobs.

Not paying them sounds good, but like most badly thought out propaganda moves, it's a bad idea.

 Wrong - the DemocRATs are NOT "doing their jobs" - all they are doing is obstruct, delay and lie about issues they have implemented in the past 4 years.

Yeah, we all knew that you were just bitch bitch bitching about Democrats.

But if they're present, and they vote either for or against legislation, aren't they doing their jobs, either way?

That's what I think nobody is considering here. Their job is to vote as their constituents want. If their constituents don't want a bill to pass, then they're doing their jobs by not voting for it. And when the fascist Republipigs vote for something their constituents want, like the Kill All Brown People Bill, why, then, they're doing their jobs as well, as evil and sadistic as that may be.

Both the House and the Senate are deliberative bodies by design. If we try to blackmail them into rushing legislation through, then we're destroying that fundamental element.

If they don't pass a budget then they are still doing their jobs but I think they shouldn't get paid because there's no budget. They shouldn't ask other federal employees to work for free if they are not willing to do the same.