Members of Congress will still get paid despite a potential government shutdown

The federal government could shut down at 12:01 a.m. EDT Wednesday, unless Republicans and Democrats reach an agreement on a budget.

If a funding lapse occurs, thousands of federal employees will be classified as either “excepted,” required to work without pay, or “not excepted,” meaning they are furloughed.

While furloughed workers usually receive back pay once the government reopens, contractors typically do not.

Members of Congress, however, continue to receive their salaries during a shutdown. The U.S. Constitution requires that senators and representatives “receive a Compensation for their Services” (Article I, Section 6). The 27th Amendment further prevents changes to congressional pay from taking effect until after the next election.

Presidents are also paid during shutdowns. Pr