SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed that Congressional salaries should be withheld during government shutdowns, directing those funds instead to help reduce the national debt.

The Republican senator from South Carolina has put forward a Constitutional amendment aiming to achieve this change. To become a reality, the amendment would need a two-thirds majority approval in both the House and the Senate.

“If Congressional members had to give up their salaries during shutdowns, we’d likely see fewer occurrences and quicker resolutions,” Graham stated. “Currently, the U.S. Constitution mandates that Congress members be paid even when the government is shut down. This amendment is the most constitutionally correct approach to address this issue.”

At present, regular members of Congress earn $174,000 annually, while the salaries for majority and minority leaders stand at $193,400. The House Speaker and Senate President receive $223,500.

Graham’s proposal suggests reallocating these salaries to help lower the federal debt.

“Government shutdowns are imprudent undertakings. This amendment would compel Congress to act more responsibly,” Graham remarked.