Peters: No Pay for Lawmakers if Government Shuts Down

Press Release

If the federal government shuts down, Representative Gary Peters wants to make sure that lawmakers aren't immune from the effects. On Tuesday, Peters cosponsored a bill that would prevent Members of Congress from receiving their paychecks for the duration of any government shutdown.

"People expect Congress to work together to solve problems, not play chicken with the federal budget at the expense of seniors, veterans and small businesses," said Representative Peters. "A shut down would have real consequences for the American people and if some members of Congress can't work together responsibly, then they should face consequences too."

The Government Shutdown Fairness Act (H.R. 819) would prohibit members of Congress from receiving a salary if any federal department is without funding for more than 24 hours, or if the government reaches the federal debt limit and is unable to meet its obligations. A companion bill (S. 388) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Barbara Boxer.

Under current law, Congressional salaries are funded by a permanent appropriation, meaning that they would be unaffected by a government shutdown.

Despite the tone in Washington, Representative Peters is also optimistic that Congress and the President will be able to avoid a shutdown -- and that his first priority is working to reach a bipartisan agreement.

"I believe we will be able to reach a responsible budget agreement that cuts spending and keeps government services operating, and I will be working to make that happen," said Peters.

Peters has already had success this year in leading a bipartisan initiative to reduce the deficit. Peters' first legislative proposal of the year was an amendment to require funds to be used for deficit reduction instead of increased spending -- and it passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

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