Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana announced new legislation aimed directly at members of Congress. His plan would cut off lawmakers’ pay during any government shutdown, forcing them to feel the same financial strain federal workers are facing.

Kennedy introduced two bills: the “No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act” and the “Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act.” Both would block lawmakers from getting paid while the government is closed.

“I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips,” Kennedy said. “My bills ensure Congress feels the same pain as the folks we’re failing to pay — our troops, air traffic controllers, and federal workers. If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck — plain and simple.”

Under his first bill, members of Congress would lose pay for every day the government remains shut down. The second bill would hold their salaries in escrow until after the 2026 elections, making sure they don’t collect a dime until voters have had their say.

The proposals are designed to sidestep the 27th Amendment, which prevents immediate changes to lawmakers’ salaries. Kennedy’s approach would delay the pay rather than eliminate it entirely, ensuring constitutional compliance while sending a message.

Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution states that Senators and Representatives must be compensated by law and paid from the U.S. Treasury. However, Kennedy’s bill would not permanently alter that — it would only postpone the payments until after the shutdown ends.

Representative Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, who is introducing the companion bill in the House, said that if service members and other essential employees are forced to work without pay, Congress should not be treated any differently.

“If our military servicemembers and other essential employees have been faced with working without receiving their paychecks during the shutdown, Members of Congress should not be paid either,” Steil said.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Kennedy said he would present the bills on Thursday, as the shutdown stretched into its 36th day. He said there were ongoing discussions between Democrats and Republicans, but he doubted a resolution was close.

“We’re on day 36,” he said. “We’ve been that close for a week, frankly. I hope I’m wrong in saying this, but, I don’t think we’re really that close. I wish we were, and I hope we are, but I think we’re going to be in the shutdown a while longer.”

“In the meantime, none of our staffs are being paid. No federal employees are being paid,” Kennedy added. “I got some numbers in this morning that federal workers have had to borrow $365 million so far during this 36-day shutdown in order just to pay their rent. Our military is only being paid partially. Our air traffic controllers are not being paid. People who receive SNAP payments are only being partially paid.”

The shutdown has caused major disruptions. Air traffic controller shortages have led to halted flights at major airports including Newark and Los Angeles. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, parts of U.S. airspace could be forced to close next week.

Billionaire Timothy Mellon, a close ally of President Trump, recently stepped in with a $130 million donation to the Department of War to ensure U.S. troops receive their paychecks. President Trump had already directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth “to use all available funds” to make sure military pay continued through October 15.

Meanwhile, millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits have faced delayed or reduced payments. Congressional staffers were told they would not receive their October 31 paychecks either.

Kennedy said his goal is simple: if Congress can’t keep the government running, they should share in the pain. His proposal puts lawmakers on notice that the days of getting paid while others suffer could soon be over.