Fedorchak backs bill to prohibit Congress from receiving paychecks during government shutdowns

WASHINGTON (North Dakota Monitor) – U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., is pushing for a bill that would prohibit federal lawmakers from receiving paychecks during a government shutdown.

Fedorchak and Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., along with 18 other freshman members of the House, sent a letter to Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., on Tuesday urging him to bring the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act to the House floor for consideration.

“Members should share in the consequences of a shutdown — not be insulated from them,” the letter states. “Doing so would better align incentives to come to the negotiating table, reinforce accountability, and demonstrate to the American people that we take our responsibilities seriously.”

Fedorchak, who is serving her first term, said in an interview Wednesday that she was surprised to see how easy it was to shut down the government after witnessing it last fall.

A 43-day full government shutdown occurred in October and November after Democrats opposed continuing resolutions to keep the government open in an attempt to address expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. Those tax credits expired at the end of 2025, which increased premiums for some Americans who receive their health insurance through the health care marketplace.

“There’s very little friction to prevent it,” Fedorchak said of government shutdowns. “A big part of that, in my opinion, is because the members of Congress don’t suffer any consequences when the government shuts down.”

The bill, introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., would hold daily congressional pay in an escrow account until the shutdown is resolved. It was passed unanimously out of the Committee on House Administration on a 10-0 vote.

Under the legislation, members of Congress would not receive back pay during the time the government was closed, Fedorchak said.

By Michael Achterling.