The citizens of these United States are tired of BOTH PARTIES manipulating us at Budget time. The last time the U.S. had a full, on-time budget where all 12 annual appropriations bills were enacted by the October 1 deadline was 1997! The problem isn’t citizens it’s elected officials and it’s time they faced repercussions for failing to get a budget passed on time and behaving like toddlers fighting over the bigger half of the cookie. Citizens are penalized constantly, now elected officials should face some penalties.

Petition to: United States Congress, Congressional Leadership, and Relevant Federal Agencies

Petition Text:

We, the undersigned, demand immediate action to hold members of Congress accountable for government shutdowns. When the government shuts down, essential services halt, federal workers go unpaid, and millions of Americans suffer. Yet, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries and benefits, insulated from the consequences of their inaction.

We propose a straightforward solution: 

1. Strip all salary and benefits from members of Congress for the duration of any government shutdown. 

2. Reduce their salaries by 2% for each day the government remains shut down. 

3. Ensure that this 2% daily reduction is permanent, meaning it cannot be recovered through future salary increases or adjustments.

Ammended Demands:

4. No member may leave Washington, DC until a budget has been passed

5. All members in office who fail to come to a agreement on a budget and cause a government shutdown become immediately ineligible for re-election!

Government shutdowns are not just political games—they disrupt lives, harm communities, and erode public trust. Congress must feel the same urgency as the American people to resolve these crises swiftly. If federal workers and citizens bear the burden of a shutdown, so should our elected officials.

Why This Matters:

- During the 2018-2019 shutdown, 800,000 federal workers went without pay for 35 days, yet Congress faced no financial consequences. 

- Shutdowns cost taxpayers billions—$6 billion for the 2019 shutdown alone, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 

- Accountability starts with aligning congressional incentives with the public’s needs.

We urge lawmakers to pass legislation implementing these measures immediately. No more paychecks for Congress during shutdowns. No more shielding elected officials from the consequences of their failure to govern. 

Sign this petition to demand that Congress faces real consequences for government shutdowns. Let’s ensure our leaders prioritize the American people over political gridlock.