Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., proposed withholding pay for members of Congress during the ongoing government shutdown as debate continued over funding for Transportation Security Administration employees.

Kennedy raised the proposal Sunday while speaking on the Senate floor, arguing that lawmakers should not receive pay while TSA employees remain unpaid amid the funding lapse.

"It may be cynical but it's true: if I were king for a day...I would provide that members of Congress can't be PAID during a shutdown, and I would provide that members of Congress can't leave Washington DC during a shutdown!" Kennedy said.

"I can't pass the 2nd part of that. So I'm gonna try to pass the 1st part of that!"

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Kennedy moved to advance a measure that would suspend congressional pay during the shutdown, framing the proposal as a response to ongoing disputes over federal funding, including efforts tied to TSA operations.

During the proceedings, an objection was raised, halting the motion.

According to reports from the Senate floor, the objection came from Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii.

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Kennedy reacted after the objection was made, questioning Schatz’s absence from the chamber following the move.

"He objected and LEFT THE CHAMBER. Is he COMING BACK?" Kennedy said.

"Wait, I mean, is he ill?! What should I do, should I give him more time?"

The objection prevented the measure from moving forward, leaving Kennedy’s proposal stalled as lawmakers continued to debate broader funding issues tied to the Department of Homeland Security.

The funding dispute has centered on whether to pass full funding for DHS or to move forward with targeted measures, including proposals focused specifically on TSA funding.

TSA staffing levels have been affected during the shutdown, contributing to disruptions at airports as travel demand increases.

Kennedy continued his remarks on the Senate floor, stating that lawmakers who oppose his proposal should publicly explain their position.

"If a member of this body disagrees with what I'm doing, they by God they ought to come down here and stand up in front of the United States Senate, and stand up in front of the American people, and stand up in front of God and stand up in front of (the) country, and stand up in front of all these people, these good people who aren't being paid, and say 'here's why.' Maybe we need to change the Senate rule, Mr. President."

The exchange took place as negotiations over federal funding continued, with lawmakers working to address the lapse that has affected multiple government operations.

TSA employees have been among those impacted, as the agency continues to operate during the shutdown.

The Senate has faced multiple procedural challenges in advancing funding measures, with objections and disagreements between parties slowing progress.

Proposals to fund specific agencies separately have been debated, while broader efforts to pass full funding packages have also encountered obstacles.

Kennedy’s proposal to suspend congressional pay during the shutdown added another element to the ongoing debate, as lawmakers continue to negotiate potential solutions to restore funding and address operational disruptions.

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