Every member of the Senate received their salary on October 31 - the day before SNAP benefits were halted with the exception of the Senators listed below, who chose to forgo a paycheck in support of federal employees who are currently working without pay during the shutdown. They all deserve some recognition for understanding the difficulty this shutdown places on citizens.

Democratic Senators:

- Michael Bennet (CO): Salary withheld and to be donated to Colorado nonprofits supporting affected workers.
- Richard Blumenthal (CT): Donating salary to charities aiding homeless veterans and federal employees.
- John Hickenlooper (CO): Donating salary to state food banks.
- Andy Kim (NJ): Donating salary to federal employee relief funds.

Republican Senators:

- Shelley Moore Capito (WV): Paycheck withheld until shutdown ends.
- Deb Fischer (NE): Pay withheld in solidarity with unpaid service members.
- Lindsey Graham (SC): Donating salary to support federal workers.
- Ron Johnson (WI): Forgoing pay for the duration.
- Jerry Moran (KS): Paycheck withheld.
- Roger Marshall (KS): Paycheck withheld, emphasizing fairness to military and federal workers.
- Bernie Moreno (OH): Paycheck withheld; also introduced legislation for future pay penalties during shutdowns.

Please note that Senator Moreno also supports the pay penalties to elected officials during shutdowns, which is one item in this petition.

I also want to make one thing perfectly clear: I am an independent voter, I dislike both parties equally, and distrust all politicians - especially those that are lifetime politicians. I definitely don’t vote a straight party ticket and I never will. I’m going to select the candidate that most aligns with my ideals and will create the most opportunities for citizens. I lean left more than right but I will not sugarcoat basic FACTS that are researchable to make someone more comfortable.