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BumRushDaShow

(170,427 posts)
Wed Mar 25, 2026, 05:50 AM Mar 25

Cruz asks Senate to hold his salary during DHS shutdown

Source: The Hill

03/24/26 5:58 PM ET


Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) asked on Tuesday for his congressional salary to be withheld until the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is over.

“Due to the Democrat’s Shutdown, I’ve asked the Financial Clerk of the Senate to hold my salary,” the Texas senator wrote on the social platform X. “It’s not right for Members of Congress to be paid if the working men and women of DHS aren’t.”

The Texas senator included a photo of his letter in the Tuesday post, in which he requested Senate Financial Clerk Ted Ruckner to hold his salary “for pickup” after the shutdown ends. He made a similar request during the government shutdown last fall, which lasted 43 days, becoming the longest shutdown in history.

Cruz has taken a leading role in the recent negotiations to reopen the department, as Democrats refuse to back a necessary funding package until the administration agrees to meet several of their demands for reform at DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5799202-ted-cruz-salary-withhold-dhs/

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Scruffy1

(3,534 posts)
12. Congress people pay 60% for health insurance.
Wed Mar 25, 2026, 09:47 AM
Mar 25

However, his wife makes a lot more than he does with a stay at home job "job" working for Goldman Sachs.

twodogsbarking

(18,931 posts)
14. Thanks for contibuting
Wed Mar 25, 2026, 10:04 AM
Mar 25

Members of Congress and their staff obtain health insurance through the DC Health Link Small Business Market (SHOP), which is part of the Affordible Care Act.
Key details regarding their health insurance costs include:
Premium Subsidies: The federal government contributes to the premiums, typically covering 72% to 75% of the total cost, which is similar to other federal employees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Plan Selection: Members and staff generally select "Gold-level" plans.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Members pay for the remaining portion of their premiums (approximately 28%) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Additional Services: Members may opt into the Office of the Attending Physician (OAP) for an additional fee, which was approximately $650 per year in 2025. This offers basic services, such as routine exams and consultations, but is not a substitute for comprehensive insurance.

In summary, members pay market rates for premiums but receive a significant government contribution towards them.

Icanthinkformyself

(400 posts)
10. It's easier to live on savings
Wed Mar 25, 2026, 08:45 AM
Mar 25

when insider trading has made you millions. When the time comes that the rules can be amended we need to make sure that clowns and other circus acts are not allowed to run for political office. That, of course, would disqualify most Republicans and all conservatives. So be it. It doesn't affect me. Conservatives, see how that works? Phuck you.

purr-rat beauty

(1,284 posts)
15. He barely works anyways
Wed Mar 25, 2026, 10:39 AM
Mar 25

Quite frankly every one of these lazy gov't welfare Queens should lose pay until they genuinely represent THE PEOPLE

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