In a dramatic turn of events, the federal government has been thrust into a shutdown as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, following the Democratic Party's decision to block a Republican-proposed spending bill.
This political impasse has resulted in approximately 750,000 federal employees being furloughed, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office. Despite the widespread impact, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona has made it clear that he will not be relinquishing his $174,000 congressional salary during this period, citing personal financial obligations.
In an interview with NBC News, Gallego explained his position, stating, Im not wealthy and I have three kids. I would basically be missing, you know, mortgage payments, rent payments, child support. So its not feasible, not gonna happen. His stance highlights the ongoing debate over whether lawmakers should continue to receive their salaries during government shutdowns, a provision protected under Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution.
According to the Daily Caller, Gallego's spokesperson criticized the Republican Party, arguing that the GOP should focus on substantive issues rather than engaging in "bad-faith Republican virtue-signaling." The spokesperson further accused Republicans of avoiding critical votes on matters such as the Epstein files and healthcare costs.
This position contrasts sharply with a growing number of lawmakers who have voluntarily requested that their pay be withheld in solidarity with furloughed workers. Among these are Republican Representatives Kat Cammack of Florida, Chip Roy, and Keith Self of Texas.
Self, in particular, has been vocal on social media, urging all members of Congress, including those he deems responsible for the shutdown, to follow suit. All members of Congress including those most responsible for this shutdown (Senate Democrats) should do the same, he asserted on X.
Some Democrats have also joined this movement, with Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey expressing his disapproval of the current system. Its wrong that the President and Members of Congress get paid during a government shutdown when our military and public servants dont, Kim remarked in a statement.
He pledged to refuse his own pay should the shutdown persist, emphasizing that government leaders should not gamble with the livelihoods of others.
While Presidents typically continue to receive their salaries during such funding lapses, President Donald Trump has pledged to donate his government salary during the shutdown, as reported by NBC News. This gesture underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility and solidarity with affected workers.
The crux of the Democrats' refusal to approve government spending lies in their demand for an extension of a pandemic-era Obamacare premium subsidy, which is projected to cost $350 billion over the next decade. This has led to repeated blockages of bills intended to fund the government.
Meanwhile, public sentiment appears to be shifting, with a New York Times/Siena University poll indicating that 65% of Americans believe Democrats should not resort to a government shutdown, even if their demands remain unmet. This data suggests a growing frustration among the populace with the current political stalemate and its repercussions on everyday Americans.
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