If Shutdown, Congress, Obama Still Get Checks

If President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress allow the government to be shutdown come Friday, they still get paid, USA Today reported Thursday.

Republican freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas introduced a bill that the House passed last week to try to prevent that from happening. The measure would also have cut the $61 million in federal spending, but the Democratic-controlled Senate rejected it.

Members of Congress earn $174,000 a year while those in leadership positions earn more. The president salary is $400,000 a year. Aides who are deemed "essential" to members of Congress carrying out their constitutional duties also could get paid, but not until federal funding is settled.

Even some Democrats agree with Womack.

"If we cannot do our work and keep the government functioning, we should not receive a paycheck. If we cannot compromise and meet each other halfway, then we should not be paid," said a letter circulated by Sens. Barbara Boxer of California and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.