Kennedy Proposal for No Congressional Pay in Shutdown Objected

In the midst of a partial government shutdown now entering its 36th day, Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, proposed on the Senate floor Sunday that members of Congress forgo their paychecks until federal funding is restored, only to face an abrupt objection from Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, who entered the chamber to voice it and then quickly departed.

The incident unfolded as Kennedy sought unanimous consent to advance his resolution, which would suspend congressional salaries during shutdowns and hold them until operations resume, similar to the situation facing unpaid federal workers. Kennedy argued the measure would encourage lawmakers to resolve funding disputes more swiftly. "If I were king for a day, I would provide that members of Congress can't be paid during a shutdown," he said, adding that opponents should explain their stance publicly to those affected.

Schatz's objection halted the effort, requiring 60 votes for further progress under Senate rules. Witnesses described Schatz rushing into the chamber, shouting "I object," and then leaving immediately, prompting visible confusion among senators. Kennedy paused his remarks, turning to...