As a military family, we already have many things to worry about. Deployments, training, moving cross-country or overseas, and ensuring our loved ones are safe are part of our everyday life. We shouldn't have to add worrying about receiving a paycheck on time to that list. During government shutdowns, the anxiety and uncertainty about when we'll next receive a salary affect not only morale, but the livelihoods of countless families like ours. Military and federal workers, who are the backbone of our nation's functioning, should not bear the burden of financial uncertainty.

When the government fails to agree on a budget, resulting in a shutdown, it's not just an administrative hiccup—it's a real crisis with real implications for thousands of families. While federal workers and military members wait without pay, Congress members still receive their salaries, immune to the hardships they indirectly impose on others. This is not only unfair but shows a lack of accountability towards those they serve.

According to a 2019 report by the Senate, federal shutdowns cost the U.S. economy roughly $3 billion, stunting growth and delaying services. Basic human necessity, such as being able to budget for groceries or pay bills, becomes an impossible headache when paychecks are halted. It’s time to hold Congress accountable for their actions and decisions, and ensure they feel the weight of their choices, just as we do.

To address this inequity, we propose that Congress should not receive any pay during government shutdowns, just like military and other federal employees. This measure would incentivize our elected officials to come to a timely agreement on the budget, minimizing disruptions in government operations and the impact on American families.

Congress needs to understand that the consequences of their inactions or delays have real life impacts on everyday citizens. Let's make them recognize and shoulder some responsibility by ensuring they don't get paid while holding others' livelihoods ransom.

Please sign this petition to press Congress into halting their salaries during government shutdowns until every American working under the federal banner receives their rightful pay. Together, we can make a difference—the kind our families deserve.