Is it true when the government is shutdown, Congress still gets paid?

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:48:42 -0400

this that true? do they? they better not.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 18 at 2015 7:53 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:53:20 -0400

Yes. It's actually a safeguard. As the Executive Branch "handles" all pay in the government (Dept of Treasury), it cannot withhold pay of the other two branches (Legislative or Judicial).

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Sep 18 at 2015 7:55 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:55:20 -0400

The govt, #FEDERAL and everything else. When money get low, your command will slow training, then maintenance PER your POST Commander.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 18 at 2015 8:21 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:21:00 -0400

Even if their pay was withheld, it would mostly be symbolic. The majority of the members of Congress are millionaires. They would get along just fine.

http://time.com/373/congress-is-now-mostly-a-millionaires-club/

Congress Is Now Mostly A Millionaires’ Club

For the first time, more than half of congressional lawmakers are worth at least $1 million

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Sep 18 at 2015 10:10 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 22:10:39 -0400

Back in the day, there was no "standing Army" so Army pay is covered under "discretionary" funding - when the government "shuts down" it is really only the discretionary funds that get turned off.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 19 at 2015 4:53 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 04:53:01 -0400

One response to the Problem you are talking about.

Dem bill would cut lawmaker pay during shutdowns

The bill would apply to future sessions of Congress.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 19 at 2015 5:35 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 05:35:44 -0400

http://www.occupydemocrats.com/democrat-files-bill-to-take-away-pay-from-all-congressmen-who-shut-down-government-4/

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 4:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 16:00:51 -0400

Yes. Congress gets paid via a different source of funds than us.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 6:18 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 18:18:09 -0400

It is true. I am a FED and the last shutdown in 2013, Congressmen were whining about having to bring in their own towels and take them home to launder them because workers that staff the Congressional gym were furloughed. It is literally against the law for a federal worker who is furloughed to work, respond to emails, or phone calls while the shutdown is in place. But Congress still gets paid. Yes I eventually got paid, but a number of Contractors still had to work for no pay during the shutdown. I don't think that's right. Living in DC is expensive as it is, your mortgage company or landlord don't care about the shutdown. They just want their money.

Response by LTC Ian Murdoch made Sep 24 at 2015 9:05 AM

LTC Ian Murdoch — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 09:05:49 -0400

Personally, I would like to see Congress impose a stiff fine on every member for each day past 1 October without a budget. I know this will never happen, but I would love to see them have some skin in the game.

Response by SP5 Richard Maze made Sep 27 at 2015 9:18 PM

SP5 Richard Maze — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 21:18:32 -0400

They were paid during the 2013 shutdown.