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Senators Approve Withholding Their Own Pay During Government Shutdowns

Senators Approve Withholding Their Own Pay During Government Shutdowns

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution to withhold senators' pay during government shutdowns. This measure aims to make federal closures financially impactful for lawmakers, following a series of prolonged shutdowns. The resolution stipulates that senators' pay will be withheld by the Secretary of the Senate whenever a shutdown affects one or more agencies, with the pay being released once funding is restored. This decision comes after two significant shutdowns in the past year, including a 76-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and a 43-day full government shutdown. The resolution is set to take effect the day after the November 3 general election.
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Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns

Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns

Senators have unanimously approved a resolution to withhold their pay during government shutdowns
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Senate Approves Measure to Withhold Senators' Pay During Government Shutdowns

Senate Approves Measure to Withhold Senators' Pay During Government Shutdowns

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution to temporarily halt senators' paychecks during government shutdowns. Proposed by Sen. John Kennedy, the measure aims to ensure that senators experience the same financial impact as federal employees during funding lapses. The resolution, which passed by voice vote, does not require the president's signature and will take effect after the November midterm elections. Senators will receive back pay once shutdowns end, similar to other federal employees. This legislative move comes amid increasing bipartisan efforts to address the consequences of government shutdowns, which have disrupted services and affected workers nationwide.
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Senate Resolution to Suspend Senators' Pay During Shutdowns Gains Approval

Senate Resolution to Suspend Senators' Pay During Shutdowns Gains Approval

The Senate has approved a resolution that will suspend senators' pay during government shutdowns, starting after the 2026 midterm elections. Introduced by Sen. John Kennedy, the measure aims to raise the political cost of funding lapses and reduce the likelihood of future shutdowns. The resolution requires the Senate secretary to hold lawmakers' paychecks if Congress fails to fund any federal agency on time. Senators will receive back pay once the shutdown ends, similar to federal employees. This legislative action follows three shutdowns in the past fiscal year, driven by policy differences and political tensions.
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Senators Propose Legislation to Address Young Adult Suicide Rates

Senators Propose Legislation to Address Young Adult Suicide Rates

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey have introduced the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, aimed at addressing the rising suicide rates among young adults in the United States. The legislation proposes that colleges and universities include the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number on student ID cards. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing that suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 24. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 2% of Americans aged 18 to 25 have attempted suicide, a rate more than double that of any other age group. The bill seeks to ensure that students are aware of available mental health resources, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month.
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GOP Lawmakers Defy President Trump, Push for House Vote on Russian Sanctions and Ukraine Support

GOP Lawmakers Defy President Trump, Push for House Vote on Russian Sanctions and Ukraine Support

A group of centrist Republican lawmakers has taken a significant step by forcing a House vote on a major bill aimed at supporting Ukraine and imposing strict sanctions on Russia. This move comes despite opposition from President Trump and GOP leadership. The bill, known as the Ukraine Support Act, includes measures such as 500% tariffs on Russian goods, a ban on Russian crude oil imports, and $8 billion in military support for Ukraine. The effort was led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a GOP centrist, and Rep. Greg Meeks, a Democrat, who gathered the necessary 218 signatures to bring the bill to the floor. The vote is expected to occur shortly after the House's Memorial Day recess. This development highlights a division within the Republican Party, as some members prioritize addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine over domestic issues.
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Senator John Fetterman Casts Decisive Vote Against Limiting Trump's Iran War Powers

Senator John Fetterman Casts Decisive Vote Against Limiting Trump's Iran War Powers

U.S. Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, cast a pivotal vote against a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to conduct military operations in Iran. This vote marked the seventh occasion Fetterman has diverged from his party since the conflict began, but it was the first time his vote was decisive due to Republican defections. The resolution failed with a 49-50 vote, as Fetterman was the sole Democrat siding with Republicans, who hold the Senate majority. Notably, three Republican senators—Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—voted with Democrats. Fetterman has consistently supported the war, arguing it is necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to dismantle its theocratic regime, despite reports that Iran retains military capabilities.
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US Senate blocks latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, support grows

US Senate blocks latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, support grows

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, May 13 (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked the latest Democratic-led effort to end the Iran war until it is authorized by Congress, but the measure edged closer to passage as a third Republican voted to advance the bill.
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Thune defends $1B for White House security as 'what it costs' to protect the president

Thune defends $1B for White House security as 'what it costs' to protect the president

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is defending a plan to give the Secret Service up to $1 billion for security upgrades to Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project
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Senate Republicans move ahead with $1B for Trump's ballroom security as Democrats pledge to fight

Senate Republicans move ahead with $1B for Trump's ballroom security as Democrats pledge to fight

Senate Republicans say they will move forward with a proposal to give the Secret Service up to $1 billion for security upgrades to Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project
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Trump nominates fired FEMA leader to again lead the agency

Trump nominates fired FEMA leader to again lead the agency

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, a year after Hamilton was ousted from his position as FEMA's acting director last year.
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US Supreme Court clears way for Alabama Republicans to pursue new voting map

US Supreme Court clears way for Alabama Republicans to pursue new voting map

By John Kruzel WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way on Monday for Alabama Republicans to pursue a congressional voting map more favorable to their party ahead of November's midterm elections, the latest fallout from the court's seismic voting rights ruling.