As the federal government shuts down once again, hundreds of thousands of public servants are going without pay — while members of Congress continue to collect their full salaries.

That’s not leadership. It’s hypocrisy.

Air traffic controllers, TSA agents, park rangers, scientists, federal law enforcement officers, and countless other essential workers are being forced to work without pay. Others are being furloughed entirely. Meanwhile, the lawmakers responsible for this crisis keep getting paid.

We, the undersigned, demand that Congress immediately pass legislation suspending its own pay during any government shutdown. If federal workers are expected to sacrifice their income while serving the public, elected officials should do the same.

Specifically, we call for:

• Automatic suspension of congressional salaries during any lapse in federal appropriations
• No retroactive pay for lawmakers during shutdown periods
• A binding rule that congressional pay only resumes when all federal employees are back on payroll.
   

It’s simple: If Congress can’t do its job, they shouldn’t get paid.

Government workers keep our country running. They deserve respect — and a paycheck. Until Congress restores full operations, they should stand in solidarity with the very people they depend on to carry out the nation’s work.

No more paychecks for politicians while working families suffer.

If workers don’t get paid, neither should Congress.