(Patrick Feller/Flickr Neon Tommy)

Senator Ted Cruz has no plans of giving up his pay even if the government shuts down. Cruz, who recently completed his 21-hour speech on the Senate floor, said in a conference in Austin, Texas via video chat. One of the attendees asked if he was willing to give up his pay if Congress decided not to pass a spending bill that would keep the government forwarded and avert a government shutdown. 

The question which drew a round of applause from others in audience was answered by Cruz with some hesitation. The Texas Republican first responded by saying, “I don’t think we would shut down the government." Cruz made clear that if the shutdown does occur however, it would be the fault of the President, Democrats and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

READ: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN 5 QUESTIONS 5 ANSWERS.

In response as to whether or not he would give up his paychecks, Cruz stated, “I will confess it is a question I have not given a significant amount of thought. At the current time, I have no intention of doing so.” Despite the backlash Cruz is receiving for his statement, his point is supported by law. Under the 27th amendment, the salaries of members of Congress are protected even if the government had a massive shutdown.

Yet despite the validity behind his statement, it was certainly an awkward moment for the senator who has been an opponent of Obamacare.

Read more on the NT's coverage of the government shutdown here.

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