Multiple Congressmen Nationwide Request Pay Withhold During Government Shutdown

Several Republican members of Congress have publicly requested that their pay be withheld during the ongoing government shutdown to show solidarity with federal workers who are not receiving pay. Representatives from Pennsylvania, including John Joyce, Dan Meuser, and Lloyd Smucker, have made such requests, joining others like Congressman Greg Murphy from North Carolina and Wisconsin Republicans Glenn Grothman and Tony Wied. Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio has not only requested his pay be withheld but also co-sponsored a proposed constitutional amendment to automatically prevent congressional pay during shutdowns, arguing that withholding pay should be the standard practice rather than voluntary. These lawmakers criticize the shutdown as a result of political gamesmanship, particularly blaming Democrats, and emphasize that members of Congress should not receive pay while the government is closed and federal workers suffer. The call for withholding pay reflects broader frustration with the financial and operational impacts of government shutdowns and a push for greater accountability from elected officials. This bipartisan sentiment highlights a growing demand for legislative reform to ensure lawmakers do not benefit financially during government funding lapses.