> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Members of Congress Vow to Skip Pay During Shutdown
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/members-of-congress-vow-to-skip-pay-during-shutdown/
- Published: 2025-10-09T22:25:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-11T05:44:50.000Z
- Description: Lawmakers called it solidarity with federal workers, though the Constitution guarantees their salaries continue.
- Author: Akul Saxena
- Tags: government shutdown, Eugene Vindman, Ashley Moody, Ted Cruz, Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, Andy Kim, Chip Roy, Ashley Hinson, Tom Barrett, Marianette Miller-Meeks, Rob Bresnahan, Josh Gottheimer, #with-siderail

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2025 — Several lawmakers pledged to reject their pay during the shutdown, making their salaries a statement of solidarity with federal workers.

Rep. **John James**, R-Mich., who is running for governor of Michigan in 2026, [said he asked the House payroll office ](https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1266&ref=broadbandbreakfast.com#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20D.C.%2C%20October%201%2C,to%20keep%20the%20government%20open.)to withhold his salary. “If our servicemembers and federal law enforcement officers aren’t getting a paycheck during this lapse in appropriations, then neither should Members of Congress,” he said.

Rep. **Eugene Vindman**, D-Va., also [said he would forgo his salary](https://vindman.house.gov/2025/09/29/vindman-releases-statement-on-deferring-congressional-pay-ahead-of-potential-government-shutdown/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com) during the shutdown, and described the gesture as an act of fairness for public servants caught in the middle of the funding impasse.

 Sen. [**Ashley Moody**](https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/news-release-sen-moody-pledges-to-donate-paycheck-for-each-day-the-democrats-keep-the-government-shutdown/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com)**,** R-Fla., said she will donate her pay to charity. 

She is among a bipartisan group of lawmakers pledging to refuse or forgo their pay, including Sens. [**Ted Cruz**](https://texaspolitics.com/2025/10/02/ted-cruz-requests-pay-withheld-during-government-shutdown/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com), R-Texas, **Rick Scott**, R-Fla.; **Lindsey Graham**, R-S.C.; and[**Andy Kim**](https://www.kim.senate.gov/senator-kim-refuses-paycheck-during/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com), D-N.J.; and Reps. **Chip Roy**, R-Texas; **Ashley Hinson**, R-Iowa; **Tom Barrett**, R-Mich.; **Mariannette Miller-Meeks,** R-Iowa; **Rob Bresnahan**, R-Pa.; **Josh Gottheimer**, D-N.J.; and **Lou Correa,** D-Calif., according to a [published report](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/more-lawmakers-say-theyre-rejecting-paychecks-government-shutdown-drags?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com).

Most House and Senate lawmakers make $174,000 annually — a figure that has not changed since 2009 — while members of the congressional leadership can earn more.