WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the federal government enters its first shutdown in nearly seven years, several members of Congress are taking steps to forgo their pay in solidarity with federal employees affected by the impasse.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) formally requested that his salary be withheld until an agreement to fund the government is reached. In a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, Bacon stated, "Fairness and decency dictates that my pay also be withheld," emphasizing the importance of treating members of Congress the same as other federal employees impacted by the shutdown.
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Florida) submitted a similar request, writing, "If our military is not being paid, neither should Members of Congress," highlighting the need for lawmakers to lead by example during times of national crisis.
Other lawmakers joining the effort include:
- Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), who directed the House Chief Administrative Officer to withhold his salary, stating, "Government shutdowns are costly and unproductive, and Members of Congress should not be collecting paychecks while other federal workers go without."
- Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who has reintroduced a proposal for a constitutional amendment to dock lawmakers’ pay during government shutdowns, emphasizing that "federal workers are told to ‘do more with less,’ while Congress still cashes paychecks."
- Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota), who introduced the "No Pay for Disarray" Act, which would deduct shutdown-related pay from lawmakers during the session, refunding it afterward in accordance with the 27th Amendment.
These actions reflect a growing sentiment among lawmakers to align their compensation with the hardships faced by federal employees during a shutdown. While the government remains closed, an estimated 750,000 federal workers are affected daily, either furloughed or working without pay, until Congress reaches a funding agreement.