While federal workers go without pay, parks are shuttered, and families across the country are feeling the pressure of a government shutdown, Republican members of Congress are throwing birthday parties for bulldogs and dining off gold-rimmed china at the White House.

Seriously?

On Day 15 of the shutdown, Rep Senator Jim Justice threw a birthday bash in the Capitol — not for his constituents, but for his dog. Meanwhile, President Trump hosted billionaires for a ritzy private dinner, offering beef Wellington and butterscotch ice cream while 4,000 federal employees faced layoff notices and tens of thousands more were furloughed.

This isn’t leadership — it’s arrogance. And it’s time for the public to say: enough.

While Congress continues to collect their full salaries, many of their staff and the essential workers who keep our government running are being forced to get by with nothing — working without pay, draining their savings, and waiting for political games to end.

We call on Republican leaders in Congress to:

• Immediately suspend all non-essential events, parties, and perks during any future government shutdown;
• Pass legislation to suspend congressional pay during shutdowns — including their own. 

The people who caused the shutdown shouldn’t be the ones celebrating while others suffer.

Shame on any member of Congress who prioritizes photo ops over public service, who throws parties while workers face eviction, and who refuses to take responsibility for the chaos they helped create.

Add your name to demand accountability — no paychecks, no parties, and no excuses during a government shutdown.