Schumer Backs Kennedy Resolution to Halt Senate Pay During Shutdowns

Senate Republicans' plan to withhold their own paychecks during government shutdowns gained unexpected support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The Senate is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a resolution from Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., that would stop senators from receiving pay until a shutdown ends. Republicans see it as leverage to block Democrats from closing the government again this fall.

Schumer, who guided Democrats through two shutdowns last year, said he will vote for it. "I'm going to vote for it," Schumer said. "And I think it has a lot of support."

The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to hold lawmakers' pay during a shutdown. Rank-and-file senators earn $174,000 a year, while party leaders make more than $193,000. It applies only to the Senate and takes effect after the November midterm elections.

Some Republicans worry Democrats under Schumer might trigger a shutdown before the election. Still, with backing from Schumer and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who scheduled the vote this week, passage looks likely.

The move comes as Congress recovers from frequent shutdowns. The most recent partial shutdown lasted 76 days, the longest in U.S. history, after Democrats demanded immigration reforms. Another lasted 43 days last year over expired Obamacare tax credits.

Republicans now use budget reconciliation to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol for three and a half years, after Democrats refused earlier. Thune said Kennedy's resolution could end shutdowns for good.