Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) announced on Friday that he would not accept a paycheck until a resolution was reached and the federal government shutdown ended.
Thompson sent a formal request to withhold his pay to Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives Dan Strodel on Friday.
While speaking on Thursday in support of H.R. 3160, The Government Shutdown Fairness Act, Thompson said it would be “morally reprehensible” for members of Congress to receive a paycheck during a government shutdown.
“Where I come from we believe in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay,” Thompson said.
The Government Shutdown Fairness Act calls for the salaries of Congress members to be reduced by one day for every day the government is shut down. The act allows for the pay of current members to be held until the last day of Congress, and then released for payment.
“My staff will also remain hard at work, and they, too, will work unpaid, providing the same level of services to the constituents of the fifth Congressional District,” Thompson said.
H.R. 3160 is waiting for committee approval before it goes to the House for a vote.