US podcast host and former presidential assistant Dan Koh claimed that members of Congress continue to receive paychecks even when the government shuts down. However, experts say that lawmakers are not exempt from furloughs due to their constitutional responsibilities.
In reality, most federal employees, including janitors who work on federal property, are subject to furlough during a shutdown unless they are deemed essential and required to report to work. While federal law requires back pay for certain government employees who were furloughed, it does not apply to contractors. Some private employers with federal contracts may choose to pay their employees during a shutdown, but this is not guaranteed.
Lawmakers receive compensation for their services from a permanent appropriation, and they are paid regardless of the government’s funding status. In contrast, many janitors and other contractors who work on federal property face furloughs and do not receive back pay.
Experts warn that not every contract is the same, and some may include provisions to ensure payment during a shutdown. However, without explicit federal law requiring contractors to be paid, their employees’ income remains at risk.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/1/congress-members-get-paid-janitors-dont-in-us-shutdown-fact-check