Graham pitches constitutional amendment to divert lawmaker pay during shutdowns

SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) — Members of Congress shouldn’t be paid during government shutdowns, with their salaries instead being used to pay down the national debt, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday.

The South Carolina Republican introduced a Constitutional amendment that if ratified would allow that to happen — although doing so would require two-thirds approval from each chamber.

“If members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns and they would end quickly,” Graham said. “The U.S. Constitution requires members of Congress to be paid, even during government shutdowns. This is the most constitutionally sound way to deal with this problem.”

Rank-and-file members of Congress make $174,000 a year, while majority and minority leaders make $193,400. The House speaker and Senate president get $223,500.

Under Graham’s proposal, that money would instead be used to reduce the federal debt.

“Shutdowns are foolish exercises. This constitutional amendment would force Congress to start acting responsibly,” Graham said.