By Victor Vybz | Gwinnett News Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has requested that his salary be withheld during the ongoing partial government shutdown, citing fairness concerns for federal workers who remain unpaid.
In a letter dated March 24, 2026, addressed to the Senate’s Financial Clerk, Cruz asked for his paycheck to be held at the Disbursing Office for the duration of the funding lapse. He stated that it is “not right for Members of Congress to be paid” while employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are working without compensation.
The move comes as the federal government faces a prolonged partial shutdown, now stretching beyond a month, impacting thousands of workers including TSA agents and immigration enforcement personnel. Many of these employees are required to continue working despite the lack of pay, leading to growing frustration and operational strain across the country.
Cruz publicly shared his decision on social media, reinforcing his position that lawmakers should not receive paychecks while frontline federal workers go without. His statement has added to the broader political debate surrounding the shutdown and responsibility for the ongoing stalemate in Washington.
The shutdown is tied to disputes over federal funding and legislation, including the proposed SAVE America Act, which has stalled in the Senate after passing the House. The bill has become a central point of contention in negotiations, contributing to the continued impasse.
Meanwhile, the effects of the shutdown are being felt nationwide. Airports have reported longer wait times due to staffing shortages, and some services for lawmakers have even been scaled back, placing them in the same travel conditions as the general public.
As negotiations continue, there is still no clear timeline for when a resolution will be reached. Federal workers and travelers alike remain caught in the uncertainty.
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