Rep. Kennedy Introduces the No Work No Pay Act to Ensure Lawmakers Are Held to the Same Standard as Federal Workers During Shutdowns

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) has introduced the No Work, No Pay Act of 2025, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving their pay during any period in which the federal government is shut down.

“This measure is about restoring fairness and accountability. There are those that want to promote that kind of weaponization of the government being open or not,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “It’s inappropriate. I think it’s a terrible weapon that both sides have used.” Kennedy continued, “If we’re not going to pass a budget, we’re not going to fund the government, we shouldn’t get paid either. I just think that’s totally appropriate.”

Under the No Work, No Pay Act, Members of Congress would see their daily pay withheld for every 24-hour period that a government shutdown is in effect. The bill directs the payroll administrators of the House and Senate to exclude shutdown days from congressional pay disbursements, ensuring that lawmakers do not receive compensation until the government is funded again.

“It’s time to stop using government shutdowns as a tool for political leverage. We need to come together and find long-term, bipartisan solutions to keep essential government services operating without interruption.” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Hardworking Americans shouldn’t pay the price for Washington’s dysfunction. This bill is about restoring fairness and accountability,  if lawmakers can’t do their jobs, they shouldn’t get paid.”

Read the full bill text here.