Government Shutdown and Congressional Salary Debate
Democrats initiated a federal government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday after blocking a spending bill proposed by the GOP. However, Arizona Senator Reuben Gallego made it clear that he intends to keep his salary during this period.
About 750,000 employees are affected by the shutdown, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Gallego stated that he won’t forfeit his Congressional salary, which amounts to $174,000, as lawmakers continue to receive pay during the closure per Article 6 of the Constitution. “I’m not wealthy; I have three children. I’m missing mortgage, rent, and child support payments,” he remarked, expressing the financial strain he faces.
In contrast, many Congressional staff members will not be paid, though they could receive compensation if the government reopens during the funding suspension.
“We will soon vote on our latest spending agreements, but before we do so, we have submitted an official request that we withhold our pay in the event of government closures. If the army doesn’t receive their pay, then neither should members of Congress,” tweeted Kat Cammack.
Gallego’s stance contrasts with a growing group of lawmakers advocating for salary withholding in solidarity with workers impacted by the shutdown. Several Republicans, including Cammack, Chip Roy, and Keith Self, have formally requested their salaries be withheld until operations resume.
Self asserted that all members of Congress should follow suit, particularly those responsible for the shutdown. Some Democrats, like New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, also align with this sentiment, stating, “It’s wrong to see the president and members of Congress being paid during the government shutdown when our troops and civil servants don’t.” He pledged to refuse his salary should a shutdown occur.
The president continues to receive payment during this period of fundraising, though Donald Trump has indicated he will donate his government pay during the shutdown. Democrats have resisted advancing government spending, except for certain extensions like those related to Obamacare Premium Subsidies, which are estimated to cost around $35 billion over the next decade.
On Wednesday, Senate Democrats once again blocked proposals to fund the government. Meanwhile, a recent poll indicated that 65% of Americans believe Democrats should not trigger a shutdown even if their demands are unmet.
