Pass a federal law to stop congressional pay during government shutdowns
Pass a federal law to stop congressional pay during government shutdowns
Recent signers:
Candice Bellows and 9 others have signed recently.
The Issue
Government shutdowns in the United States have become far too common, affecting millions of Americans who are reliant on government services and jobs. During these shutdowns, federal employees are furloughed, essential services are disrupted, and uncertainty looms over the nation's economy and security. However, one group seems to be unaffected: members of Congress continue to receive their salaries without delay or reduction.
This disparity is not only unjust but also incentivizes a lack of urgency among those who have the power to avert such situations. By passing a federal law to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns, we can hold our elected officials accountable and ensure they remain motivated to keep the government operational.
Historically, the U.S. has experienced 21 governmental shutdowns since 1976. According to the Congressional Research Service, these shutdowns have collectively cost taxpayers billions of dollars—money that comes from the pockets of hardworking Americans. Yet, while citizens bear the brunt of these costs, Congress faces no similar financial impact. This lack of financial consequence for legislators contributes to protracted negotiations and political stalemates.
A federal law preventing congressional pay during shutdowns is a necessary step towards equitable accountability. It sends a clear message: if members of Congress do not fulfill their fundamental duty of keeping the government running, their pay should reflect that failure. This measure would align congressional motivations with the interests of the public and could lead to faster resolutions in future budgetary impasses.
It is time for change. Let us urge Congress to pass legislation that ensures they too feel the financial consequences of a government shutdown. Let's put pressure on our lawmakers to prioritize the continuity of governmental operations over partisan disagreements.
Please sign this petition to demand that Congress adopt legislation to stop their pay during any government shutdown. Together, we can push for a fair system that holds our leaders accountable.
This disparity is not only unjust but also incentivizes a lack of urgency among those who have the power to avert such situations. By passing a federal law to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns, we can hold our elected officials accountable and ensure they remain motivated to keep the government operational.
Historically, the U.S. has experienced 21 governmental shutdowns since 1976. According to the Congressional Research Service, these shutdowns have collectively cost taxpayers billions of dollars—money that comes from the pockets of hardworking Americans. Yet, while citizens bear the brunt of these costs, Congress faces no similar financial impact. This lack of financial consequence for legislators contributes to protracted negotiations and political stalemates.
A federal law preventing congressional pay during shutdowns is a necessary step towards equitable accountability. It sends a clear message: if members of Congress do not fulfill their fundamental duty of keeping the government running, their pay should reflect that failure. This measure would align congressional motivations with the interests of the public and could lead to faster resolutions in future budgetary impasses.
It is time for change. Let us urge Congress to pass legislation that ensures they too feel the financial consequences of a government shutdown. Let's put pressure on our lawmakers to prioritize the continuity of governmental operations over partisan disagreements.
Please sign this petition to demand that Congress adopt legislation to stop their pay during any government shutdown. Together, we can push for a fair system that holds our leaders accountable.
Jennifer SandbergPetition Starter
14
Recent signers:
Candice Bellows and 9 others have signed recently.
The Issue
Government shutdowns in the United States have become far too common, affecting millions of Americans who are reliant on government services and jobs. During these shutdowns, federal employees are furloughed, essential services are disrupted, and uncertainty looms over the nation's economy and security. However, one group seems to be unaffected: members of Congress continue to receive their salaries without delay or reduction.
This disparity is not only unjust but also incentivizes a lack of urgency among those who have the power to avert such situations. By passing a federal law to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns, we can hold our elected officials accountable and ensure they remain motivated to keep the government operational.
Historically, the U.S. has experienced 21 governmental shutdowns since 1976. According to the Congressional Research Service, these shutdowns have collectively cost taxpayers billions of dollars—money that comes from the pockets of hardworking Americans. Yet, while citizens bear the brunt of these costs, Congress faces no similar financial impact. This lack of financial consequence for legislators contributes to protracted negotiations and political stalemates.
A federal law preventing congressional pay during shutdowns is a necessary step towards equitable accountability. It sends a clear message: if members of Congress do not fulfill their fundamental duty of keeping the government running, their pay should reflect that failure. This measure would align congressional motivations with the interests of the public and could lead to faster resolutions in future budgetary impasses.
It is time for change. Let us urge Congress to pass legislation that ensures they too feel the financial consequences of a government shutdown. Let's put pressure on our lawmakers to prioritize the continuity of governmental operations over partisan disagreements.
Please sign this petition to demand that Congress adopt legislation to stop their pay during any government shutdown. Together, we can push for a fair system that holds our leaders accountable.
This disparity is not only unjust but also incentivizes a lack of urgency among those who have the power to avert such situations. By passing a federal law to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns, we can hold our elected officials accountable and ensure they remain motivated to keep the government operational.
Historically, the U.S. has experienced 21 governmental shutdowns since 1976. According to the Congressional Research Service, these shutdowns have collectively cost taxpayers billions of dollars—money that comes from the pockets of hardworking Americans. Yet, while citizens bear the brunt of these costs, Congress faces no similar financial impact. This lack of financial consequence for legislators contributes to protracted negotiations and political stalemates.
A federal law preventing congressional pay during shutdowns is a necessary step towards equitable accountability. It sends a clear message: if members of Congress do not fulfill their fundamental duty of keeping the government running, their pay should reflect that failure. This measure would align congressional motivations with the interests of the public and could lead to faster resolutions in future budgetary impasses.
It is time for change. Let us urge Congress to pass legislation that ensures they too feel the financial consequences of a government shutdown. Let's put pressure on our lawmakers to prioritize the continuity of governmental operations over partisan disagreements.
Please sign this petition to demand that Congress adopt legislation to stop their pay during any government shutdown. Together, we can push for a fair system that holds our leaders accountable.
Jennifer SandbergPetition Starter
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14
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President of the United States
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Petition created on March 25, 2026