Every shutdown hurts working families, contractors, service members, and federal employees — while lawmakers continue to collect their salaries. This injustice hits close to home for me. During the last government shutdown, my family struggled to make ends meet. We relied on credit cards to cover basic necessities while anxiously waiting for the government to reopen. This is not just our story; millions of Americans face similar hardships every time Congress cannot reach a budget agreement.

The No Budget, No Pay Act proposes a simple yet powerful solution: if Congress cannot do its job to fund the government, they should not get paid. Currently, lawmakers are insulated from the consequences of a federal shutdown, allowing them to debate and delay without immediate personal impact. This bill will ensure that they experience the same financial pressure and urgency that federal workers and the American public endure when the government shuts down.

Federal shutdowns are more than just a political stalemate; they affect livelihoods. In the 2018-2019 shutdown, approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed or worked without pay, and the economy lost nearly $11 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office. The pain and disruption caused by these shutdowns underscore the need for accountability in Congress.

By passing the No Budget, No Pay Act, we hold elected officials accountable. We send a clear message that their duties come with responsibilities, and they must not be allowed to escape the consequences of inaction. It's time to prioritize the well-being of all Americans over political gamesmanship.

Join me in calling on Congress to pass the No Budget, No Pay Act. Sign this petition to demand fairness and responsibility from our nation's lawmakers.