Congressional Leaders Criticize Hakeem Jeffries Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York is facing backlash from veteran lawmakers for avoiding questions about whether he would forgo his salary while federal employees work without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
Representatives Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), and Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), who have military backgrounds, stated they would give up their paychecks during the shutdown, expressing concern for military personnel. They called out Jeffries for not making a similar pledge.
As the shutdown reached its fifth week, Jeffries appeared on CNN and was asked if he would defer his pay. He skirted the issue, responding with, “I’ll comment on that soon.”
Jeffries did acknowledge the sacrifices being made by individuals, including Capitol Police officers, but when further pressed about delaying his paycheck, he said, “I’ll talk more about that in a moment, but I believe it’s in line with the values I just described.”
Evans, a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, labeled Jeffries’ avoidance as an “insult to the American people,” suggesting it reflects a disconnect from those they represent.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Evans mentioned that his experience as a police and military officer allowed him to understand the negative impacts of the shutdown, emphasizing solidarity with federal workers, who remain unpaid. He criticized Democrats for refusing to consider deferring their pay while others worked through the hardship.
Meeks, a retired lieutenant colonel, echoed the sentiment, suggesting if Jeffries were as concerned about working families as his paycheck, the government would already be functioning again. She pointed out the hardships faced by many Americans, including the loss of SNAP benefits and military personnel not receiving pay.
Barrett, also a military veteran, criticized Jeffries for being out of touch, indicating it’s absurd for him to continue receiving a salary while the government remains closed and people suffer as a result.
Fox News Digital reached out to Jeffries’ office for a response but has yet to receive any comment.
