When the United States government is shut down, millions of hardworking Americans, including federal employees, military personnel, and contractors, find themselves facing dire financial uncertainty. These individuals, who serve our country and keep its essential services running, are unfairly forced to go without pay. Meanwhile, members of Congress continue to collect their salaries uninterrupted, despite the government's failure to remain operational. This disparity is not only unacceptable but also fundamentally unfair.

The responsibility of Congress is clear: to ensure that our nation remains functional and operational. Yet, when these shutdowns occur, it is evident that Congress has not fulfilled its core duty. Therefore, it stands to reason that they should not be financially rewarded during periods when they have not succeeded in their fundamental role of governance.

We, the undersigned, demand immediate legislative action to rectify this injustice. We assert that no Congress member should receive remuneration for any day the federal government is officially shut down. Additionally, no retroactive pay should be issued for those days once the government resumes. This policy must be permanent and enforceable by law, ensuring that elected officials face the same financial challenges they impose on the citizens they represent.

Public service should prioritize serving the people — not collecting a paycheck when others suffer due to political gridlock. It's time for accountability. No work, no pay — and this rule should apply to everyone, including the representatives who are meant to serve our best interests.

Join us in demanding a change. Sign this petition if you believe that members of Congress should not be paid during government shutdowns. Let us show our leaders that we expect them to face the same consequences they impose on millions of Americans.