Several members of Congress, both Democrat and Republican, have announced that they will either withhold their pay during the government shutdown or will donate their salary during this time to charity.
Republican Congressman Bob Latta shared a letter he sent, demanding that his paycheck be withheld until the government shutdown has ended. Expressing support for the troops and indignation that America’s elected leaders who caused the government impasse are being paid while the military is not, Latta tweeted, “Members of Congress should be paid while 2 million troops are not.”
His letter read, “Dear Mr. Kiko, I have been informed that despite a lapse of appropriations and current government shutdown, members of Congress will continue receiving their salary. Please withhold my pay until an appropriations agreement has taken effect."
My letter to the House CAO asking that my pay be withheld during the #SchumerShutdown. Members of Congress should not be paid while 2 million troops are not. pic.twitter.com/RVQ5Il5uhm
— U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (@boblatta) January 20, 2018
Latta represents Ohio’s 5th district. The Buckeye State representative joins several other GOP members of Congress who are either withholding their pay or donating their money. Missouri Congressman Jason Smith announced via video that he will be donating his paycheck to a Missouri charity. “If your government isn't working for you, then your elected officials should not get paid, it's that simple,” he tweeted.
Watch my full statement to hear why I will be donating my pay every day the government remains closed to a charity in Missouri. If your government isn't working for you, then your elected officials should not get paid, it's that simple. #Shutdown pic.twitter.com/tzOWhpArKs
— Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) January 20, 2018
Democratic Rep. John Delaney of Maryland also announced that he will donate his Congressional pay to charity. "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 said in a statement. "It's time to be responsible and come together on a bipartisan deal to fund the government" he told press.
It is unclear when the shutdown will end.