Gov. David Paterson asked the state comptroller Monday to freeze state senators' pay checks until lawmakers return to work.

The state Senate held a three-minute session Sunday, during which lawmakers didn't vote on any bills. Paterson says he hopes the pay freeze will pressure senators to develop a bipartisan leadership agreement to debate and pass bills. Sen. Brian Foley (D-Brookhaven) says his focus is not on salary, but on working for the people he represents.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is asking a state judge to confirm he has the power to start withholding senators' pay on Wednesday, when their next checks are due.

AP wires contributed to this article.