Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator from South Carolina, recently used his social media platform to address several issues related to congressional pay during government shutdowns and airport security experiences.
On November 4, 2025, Graham posted: “Check it out: https://t.co/APvcfg7wZU”. In a subsequent post on the same day, he stated: “The U.S. Constitution requires Members of Congress to be paid, even during government shutdowns. If Members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns or they would end quicker.
That’s why I’ve introduced a constitutional https://t.co/yZcorcwrge“.
On November 5, 2025, Graham commented on airport security staff at Charleston International Airport by saying: “I concur with @SenatorTimScott’s statement when it comes to the men and women who provide security at the Charleston International Airport. I have had similar personal experiences and have had nothing but positive, respectful engagements with the police officers and TSA agents”.
The issue of congressional pay during government shutdowns has been a recurring topic in U.S. politics. The Constitution mandates that members of Congress continue receiving their salaries even if other federal employees are furloughed due to a lapse in appropriations. Proposals like Graham’s suggest that requiring lawmakers to forfeit their pay could incentivize faster resolutions to budget impasses.
Charleston International Airport is the busiest airport in South Carolina and serves as an important hub for both commercial flights and military operations.
