The plan to end the government shutdown is the same as always, temporary funding until the next showdown – 30-Jan-2026.
🏛️ Core Elements of the Senate Agreement
- Short-Term Reopening: The government would be fully reopened until January 30, 2026.
- Full-Year Funding for Select Agencies:
- Department of Agriculture
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Military construction projects
- Congressional operations
- Continuing Resolution (CR): All other agencies would be funded temporarily through the same January 30 deadline
I guess by now everybody knows the battle is over the expiring Affordable Care Act. Congress, in it limited wisdom -and probably during a compromise, has a renewal date for Obama Care. The democrats want it renewed. The republicans do not want it renewed.
These fools shut down the government, costing anxiety that cannot be measured. Government workers frantically looking for additional sources of income. Food allowances for the needy, terminated…. To come to the same conclusion as always…. Kick the can down the road.
It is not only President Trump who lacks compassion.
Basically, the plan continues to be, no plan. See you all in two months.
💰 Why Congress Still Got Paid
- Permanent Appropriation: Since 1983, congressional salaries have been funded by a permanent appropriation, meaning their pay doesn’t rely on annual budget renewals.
- Constitutional Protection: Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution guarantees compensation for Senators and Representatives, and the 27th Amendment prohibits changes to congressional pay until after the next election.
- Salary Details:
- Most members earn $174,000/year
- Speaker of the House: $223,500
- Senate and House leaders: $193,400
Congressional staff members received no pay. However, it looks like they will be paid in the next showdown, maybe – according to, “The Plan”.
Convention of States.
🏛️ Senators Who Declined or Donated Pay
- Tim Kaine (D-VA): Declined pay in solidarity with federal workers.
- Mark Warner (D-VA): Donated his salary to the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund.
- Katie Britt (R-AL): Had her pay withheld and encouraged others to do the same.
- Ron Johnson (R-WI): Donated his salary to the Joseph Project, a job placement initiative.
- Jacky Rosen (D-NV): Donated to health care causes and Meals on Wheels.
- Ashley Moody (R-FL): Donated to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
In total, 26 Republicans, 28 Democrats, and 1 Independent senator either withheld or donated their pay during the shutdown.
🏛️ House Members Who Declined Pay
- French Hill (R-AR): Withheld his pay, stating it was inappropriate to be paid while federal workers were furloughed.
- Steve Womack (R-AR): Said, “When my people get paid, then I shall be paid”.
- Bruce Westerman (R-AR): Also declined pay, urging the Senate to pass a spending bill.
