NYT Executive Editor Joseph Kahn Criticizes Congressional Pay During Government Shutdown

Joseph Kahn, Executive Editor of The New York Times, recently voiced strong disapproval regarding the continued payment of politicians during a government shutdown, labeling the practice as "insane." His remarks, shared on social media, underscore a long-standing debate about the financial implications of federal funding impasses for elected officials versus other government employees. > "No politician should be paid when the government is shut down. That's insane," Kahn stated in the tweet. During a federal government shutdown, members of the U.S. Congress and the President continue to receive their salaries, a practice rooted in constitutional provisions. Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution mandates that senators and representatives "shall receive a Compensation for their Services," which is paid from the U.S. Treasury and not subject to annual appropriations. Similarly, the President's salary cannot be reduced while in office. This contrasts sharply with the situation faced by hundreds of thousands of federal employees, many of whom are either furloughed without pay or required to work without immediate compensation. While a 2019 law guarantees back pay for federal employees once funding is restored, federal contractors often lack such assurances. Critics argue this disparity creates an unfair burden on the federal workforce and removes an incentive for lawmakers to quickly resolve budget stalemates. The issue frequently resurfaces during government shutdowns, with various legislative proposals introduced to halt congressional pay during such periods. However, these efforts have consistently faced hurdles, largely due to the constitutional framework that protects lawmakers' salaries from being altered during their current term. The sentiment expressed by Kahn reflects a common public grievance regarding perceived governmental dysfunction and financial inequity.