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Lawmakers Refuse Pay Amid Shutdown: 97,000 Sign Petition

10/4/2025

30 2 Full Breakdown

Center

Lawmakers Forfeit Salaries

Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D) and Rep. Brett Guthrie (R) declined pay during the October 1, 2025 shutdown.
Petition with over 97,000 signatures urges forfeiture of salaries during the shutdown.
Jodey Arrington (R) will withhold his paycheck; Senator Jon Husted (R) backs the No Budget, No Pay Act.
At least 10 Pennsylvania lawmakers, including Rep. Scott Perry, have requested withholding pay.

Right

Moreno Proposes Shutdown Tax

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) proposes SHUTDOWN Act to tax lawmakers during shutdowns.
He says current pay guarantees for Congress during shutdowns are unjust.
Shutdown has reached its third day as Senate Democrats block a GOP funding extension.
Schumer says Democrats will not back a resolution without Obamacare tax credits deal.
Only three Democrats have backed the GOP bill, signaling division.

History

Historical Context

The 1995-1996 government shutdown, lasting 21 days, stemmed from budget disputes between Congress and President Bill Clinton, leading to public outrage over Congress members receiving salaries during the closure. This historical context resonates today as lawmakers like Rep. Morgan McGarvey and Senator Bernie Moreno push for salary forfeiture during shutdowns, reflecting ongoing demands for accountability in government compensation practices.

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Lawmakers Forfeit Salaries

Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D) and Rep. Brett Guthrie (R) declined pay during the October 1, 2025 shutdown.
Petition with over 97,000 signatures urges forfeiture of salaries during the shutdown.
Jodey Arrington (R) will withhold his paycheck; Senator Jon Husted (R) backs the No Budget, No Pay Act.
At least 10 Pennsylvania lawmakers, including Rep. Scott Perry, have requested withholding pay.

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