During a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal employees fail to receive their earned salaries for days or weeks on end, even with bills to pay. In fact, many work without pay because their position is deemed vital. On the other hand, members of Congress, who are responsible above all else for passing a budget, continue to collect their salaries. 

The Congress should hold itself responsible and pass legislation which puts itself in the same position as the federal employees they lead, suspending the salaries of members during a government shutdown.