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No Work, No Pay? Some Members of Congress Forego Paychecks During Shutdown

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Several members of Congress won’t be receiving their pay during the government shutdown, and that’s fine by them. In fact, it’s their idea.

During a government shutdown members of Congress are still entitled to pay. Why? It’s the law.

However, several lawmakers have decided to refuse their salary or donate it to charity.

Congresswoman Mia Love, R-Utah, tweeted:

“I am frustrated and angered by @SenDems, whose unacceptable action has shut down the federal government. In light of this, I have requested my pay be withheld until the #SchumerShutdown ends.”

In a statement released Sunday, Congressman Mark Walker, R-N.C. said he, too, asked for his pay to be withheld.

“As long as 100,000 active-duty servicemen and servicewomen based in North Carolina are defending our freedom with no pay, the very least I can do is lead by example," stated Walker.

On the Democrat side, Congressman John Delaney, D-Md., stated: "I don't think it's right for me to get paid during a government shutdown while my constituents are being furloughed and important and necessary services are being limited or halted all together."

Delaney also donated his salary during the 2013 shutdown.

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, D-N.Y., and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., made the promise early on. 

A handful of Senators have also agreed to forego pay.

According to the Washington Post, nearly 250 members of Congress didn’t accept pay during the 2013 shutdown.

 

 

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About The Author

Amber C.
Strong

Amber Strong joined the CBN News team in Washington, D.C., in 2014 as a producer and field producer. Currently, she works as a correspondent, producer, and backup anchor for "The Brody File." Her beat includes national politics and The White House. And while she loves her current backyard of Washington, D.C., she’s a Hoosier girl at heart. Amber lives and breathes all things entertainment and politics and has had the privilege of interviewing some of the biggest names in both industries, including late night host Jimmy Fallon and presidential contender Rick Santorum. However, her true love is