Manatee Review

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan has taken a stand against the possibility of a government shutdown by announcing that he will refuse to accept his Congressional salary during such an event. In addition, he has introduced legislation to amend the U.S. Constitution, alongside Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC), to prevent members of Congress from receiving a paycheck while a shutdown is in effect.

Expressing his frustration, Buchanan stated, "No small business in America would pay someone who refuses to do their job. So why should taxpayers pay a Congress that fails to perform one of its most basic, fundamental responsibilities – funding the federal government? They shouldn’t, which is why I’m refusing to accept my Congressional salary for as long as a potential shutdown lasts and have introduced legislation to block senators and members of Congress from receiving a paycheck during a shutdown."

Buchanan has already taken action by sending a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the U.S. House of Representatives this morning, informing them of his decision to reject his Congressional paycheck if a shutdown occurs. He has previously donated his salary to charity during past shutdowns.

While the Constitution currently requires members of Congress to be paid regardless of a shutdown, they do have the option to have their pay withheld during such a period. However, their pay is subsequently disbursed once the shutdown ends. Buchanan and Norman's proposed constitutional amendment aims to forbid Congress from receiving any compensation during a full or partial government shutdown, without the guarantee of backpay.

Buchanan emphasized his commitment to resolving the issue, stating, "This is yet another sad example of Washington's dysfunction and I will do everything in my power to ensure congressional leaders stay at the table and reach an agreement."

To read the full letter sent by Congressman Buchanan, click here.

For more information, visit https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/9/with-potential-shutdown-looming-buchanan-announces-he-will-refuse-to-accept-congressional-salary-donate-money-to-charity.