EXPLAINERNews|Donald Trump‘Congress members get paid, janitors don’t’ in US shutdown: Fact checkUS podcast host and former presidential assistant Dan Koh made this claim – but is it true?
In the event of a United States government shutdown, federal government employees may experience interruptions in their paychecks. However, members of Congress will continue to receive their salaries due to constitutional stipulations.
In the event of a United States government shutdown, federal government employees may experience interruptions in their paychecks. However, members of Congress will continue to receive their salaries due to constitutional stipulations.
During a government shutdown, members of Congress are not subject to furlough due to their constitutional responsibilities. According to Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution, senators and representatives are ensured compensation for their services, which is funded by a permanent, mandatory appropriation. Most representatives and senators receive an annual salary of $174,000, with exceptions for specific leadership roles, such as the House Speaker, who earns $223,500 annually, and other leaders who earn $193,400 annually.
Federal employees are entitled to back pay following a shutdown as per a 2019 federal law. However, this provision does not cover contractors, who are not guaranteed back pay. The status of contractors, including janitors employed by private companies, can vary. Some companies may choose to continue paying their employees during a shutdown, but this is not mandated by federal law. Most contractor employees are not categorized as essential, and decisions regarding their pay during a shutdown are typically made by the contracting company.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget notes that federal contractors have historically not received back pay. Contracting companies might include premiums in their bids to mitigate the risk of non-payment during shutdowns. Legal experts emphasize that contract terms can vary, and the government's obligations are limited to essential operations necessary to protect life and property.
In the event of a United States government shutdown, federal government employees may experience interruptions in their paychecks.
In 2023, certain Senate Democrats proposed legislation to provide back pay to federal contractors, although it did not advance. Further efforts are being considered in light of potential shutdown scenarios.
The assertion that members of Congress continue to receive pay during a government shutdown is accurate. While federal employees are entitled to back pay, this does not extend to contractors, including many janitors. Some private employers may choose to compensate their employees, but there is no federal requirement to do so.
Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this analysis
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.