More Lawmakers Reject Paychecks as Government Shutdown Drags On

Washington, D.C., October 6, 2025 — As the federal government shutdown enters its second week with no resolution in sight, a growing number of U.S. lawmakers are announcing they will refuse or donate their congressional pay in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of federal workers going without pay.

The move comes amid rising public frustration over the political stalemate that has shuttered large parts of the federal government, from national parks to key administrative services. While members of Congress continue to receive their salaries during a shutdown — protected by constitutional provisions — many lawmakers from both parties are now publicly rejecting their paychecks, saying it’s only fair to share in the hardship facing government employees.

“I don’t think any member of Congress should be getting paid while hardworking Americans are forced to go without,” said Rep. Sarah Martinez (D-CA), who announced she would be donating her salary to a local food bank. “This shutdown is a political failure, and the least we can do is show some accountability.”

Several Republicans have voiced similar sentiments. Sen. Tom Gallagher (R-OH) said he asked the Senate payroll office to withhold his pay “until federal employees are back on the job.” He added, “People are missing paychecks through no fault of their own. If we can’t do our jobs, we shouldn’t be paid either.”

Despite the symbolic gestures, pressure is mounting on both parties to reach a compromise and end the impasse. Negotiations remain stalled over budget priorities and funding levels for several key programs, with both sides blaming the other for the prolonged shutdown.

Economists warn that if the shutdown continues, it could start to drag on economic growth, particularly if consumer confidence weakens. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that each week of a shutdown costs the U.S. economy billions in lost output.

For now, the growing number of lawmakers rejecting pay serves as a gesture of solidarity — and a reminder of the real-world consequences of Washington’s gridlock. But for hundreds of thousands of unpaid federal employees and contractors, symbolic moves offer little comfort as bills continue to pile up.