Currently, during a government shutdown, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries, despite failing to fulfill their most fundamental duty: keeping the government funded and operational.

It is time we demand ccountability at the highest levels of government—and that begins with Congress.

WE THE PEOPLE propose a legislative reform immediately that mandates the suspension of congressional pay during all government shutdowns.

In recent years, the United States has witnessed several government shutdowns, often resulting from Congress's inability to reach agreements on budgetary or policy issues. During these shutdowns, hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including our brave military personnel, are forced to work without pay. This situation places undue stress on families who rely on these paychecks to make ends meet. However Congress continues to get paid. 

 This glaring discrepancy not only highlights a lack of accountability but also a significant ethical problem. If federal employees and servicemembers must bear the burden of going unpaid, then elected officials representing those individuals should also share in that sacrifice.

We propose a legislative reform that mandates the suspension of congressional pay during all government shutdowns. This measure ensures that our leaders are directly incentivized to work towards a resolution that protects and benefits all Americans. By aligning the consequences of shutdowns with the decision-makers' actions, we can foster a culture of responsibility and dedication to public service.

The figures are stark: According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, a typical government shutdown costs over $1 billion per day in lost productivity and delayed economic activities. Moreover, civilian employees of the Defense Department are disproportionately affected, with over 700,000 personnel impacted during the 2018-2019 shutdown. While these public servants were left worrying about their next paycheck, members of Congress continued to receive their regular salaries without interruption.

We call upon President Donald J. Trump and Congress to pass legislation that ties congressional paychecks to the functionality of the government they are elected to govern. Only through such alignment can we ensure equity, fairness, and the impetus to avoid future shutdowns. 

Join us in demanding we hold our government accountable to the people they serve. Sign this petition to ensure that Congress feels the impact of its decisions just like every other federal employee. Together, we can advocate for change and push for a system that truly works for 'we the people.'