**Senator John Kennedy Proposes No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act**
Senator John Kennedy addressed the Senate with a proposal aimed at holding members of Congress financially accountable during government shutdowns. His bill, titled the *No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act*, stipulates that members of Congress should not receive pay or back pay during a government shutdown, even after it ends.
Kennedy requested unanimous consent for the Senate to proceed immediately with the consideration of his bill. He further asked that the bill be considered read a third time, passed, and that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.
**Rand Paul Objects, Advocates for Paying Government Workers**
At this point, Senator Jon Husted inquired if there were any objections. Senator Rand Paul, reserving the right to object, responded that rather than exacerbating government shutdowns, the government should work to stay open. He offered alternative legislation focused on ensuring pay for government employees who continue working during shutdowns, including soldiers, air traffic controllers, and other essential workers.
Paul emphasized that this approach should be a permanent feature of government operations. He argued it is disruptive, unfair, and wrong not to compensate workers showing up for their duties and suggested that passing such legislation would prevent future payroll issues during shutdowns.
**Kennedy Responds, Explains Preference for His Bill**
Jon Husted asked if Senator Kennedy would modify his request in light of Paul’s objection. Kennedy declined, explaining his rationale:
– Kennedy acknowledged that Paul’s point to pay all workers is valid but clarified that his own bill targets Congress members specifically.
– He noted that Paul’s proposal resembles Senator Ron Johnson’s *No Shutdown Act*, which the Senate has voted on several times.
– While Kennedy supports Johnson’s bill and has voted for it, he highlighted that Paul’s proposal lacks political viability. He expressed confidence that Kennedy’s own bill would pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Trump, whereas Paul’s would neither pass the House nor receive presidential approval.
– Kennedy pointed out that President Trump does not see Senator Paul as part of his “MAGA agenda” and would veto Paul’s proposal.
Kennedy concluded that his bill, though perhaps more limited in scope, has a realistic chance of becoming law, whereas Paul’s would be unlikely to advance.
Seeking procedural clarity, Kennedy asked if Paul’s statement constituted an objection to his bill. Jon Husted confirmed that Paul’s request to modify the original motion was considered an objection. Kennedy reaffirmed his refusal to substitute Paul’s proposal for his own.
**Rand Paul Defends His Stance**
Rand Paul reserved the right to object once more and challenged the assumption that the President would veto legislation ensuring federal workers continue to be paid. He argued that paying soldiers and government employees during shutdowns is a bipartisan priority widely supported by the American public.
Paul described himself as a staunch fiscal conservative who supports cutting spending broadly but opposes cutting pay for workers fulfilling their contractual obligations. While favoring a gradual reduction in federal employment through attrition, he emphasized the fairness of paying employees actively working.
He expressed confusion that Democrats would object to paying crucial workers such as air traffic controllers, though he acknowledged the ongoing debate over government spending levels. Paul criticized both Republican and Democratic spending proposals as excessive but maintained that paying workers amid budget disputes is reasonable.
Further, Paul criticized Democrats for advocating subsidies for high earners, contrasting this with insufficient support for people on food stamps, arguing that it does not reflect support for the working class or poor.
He remained optimistic that Democrats could be persuaded to support paying government workers during shutdowns and suggested President Trump would likely sign such legislation without hesitation. Nevertheless, Paul reiterated his objection to Kennedy’s motion.
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**Summary:**
Senator John Kennedy introduced legislation to withhold Congressional pay during shutdowns, aiming for political accountability. Senator Rand Paul objected, advocating instead for legislation that ensures government workers continue to be paid during shutdowns. Kennedy declined to modify his request, citing political realities and chances of passage, while Paul maintained that paying government employees during shutdowns is a fair and broadly supported approach.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/senator-rand-paul-objects-twice-senator-john-kennedys/
