Members of Congress Vow to Skip Pay During Shutdown

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 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 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, 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, R-Texas, Rick Scott, R-Fla.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; and Andy Kim, 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.

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.