NEWS RELEASE: Sen. Moody Leads with Sen. Kennedy to Suspend Senator Pay During a Government Shutdown

May 14, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is co-leading an effort with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) to suspend Senator pay during a government shutdown. The resolution has now passed in the chamber and is in effect for Senators.

“It’s astounding that Democrats can hold our government hostage – forcing thousands to go without pay – while still receiving their own paycheck. That ends today. I’m proud to join Sen. Kennedy and have called for this common-sense measure since day one, because I am a firm believer that this place is in desperate need of reform. Withholding Senator pay during a shutdown is a strong first step in fixing a painfully stubborn system that is often used for political games,” said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

  • In addition to co-leading with Sen. Kennedy on this resolution to suspend Senator pay during a government shutdown, Senator Moody has also:
    • Introduced a resolution to end taxpayer funded travel for Senators during government shutdowns;
    • Cosponsored the Eliminate Shutdowns Act, which would trigger an automatic 14-day continuing resolution in the event of a lapse in appropriations;
    • Donated her salary during a previous Democrat government shutdown to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
  • Senator Moody is working hard to bring sanity back to D.C., and ensure the government can remain open and working for the American people.

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