Senate weighs new, painful leverage tactic as fears of another government shutdown grow

The Senate will vote on a measure to block lawmaker pay during government shutdowns as Republicans push multiple bills to prevent future closures.

Senate weighs new, painful leverage tactic as fears of another government shutdown grow

TL;DR

  • The Senate will vote on a resolution to withhold lawmaker pay during government shutdowns.
  • Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) proposed the resolution, which Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has agreed to bring to a vote.
  • This is one of several proposals aimed at preventing future government shutdowns.
  • Republicans express concern that Democrats may use shutdowns as a political tactic, particularly before the midterm elections.
  • Other proposed legislation includes Senator Ron Johnson's (R-Wis.) Shutdown Fairness Act and Senator James Lankford's (R-Okla.) Prevent Government Shutdowns Act.