U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA) on Oct. 6 sponsored legislation that would suspend federal individual income taxes during a lapse in appropriations.
“In yet another ridiculous double standard, when Washington shuts down essential services for American families, it still holds on to the authority to tax them,” Rep. Bresnahan said on Oct. 8. “If partisan politics prevents Congress from meeting the most basic obligation to the American people, why should they be asked to meet their obligation to the taxman?”
The congressman introduced the No Taxation Without Operation Act, H.R. 5695, which specifically would prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from collecting federal income tax throughout the duration of a partial or full government shutdown and place a freeze on any penalties or interest accrued during this period.
If enacted, H.R. 5695 also would protect any federal workers and contractors who are furloughed or working without pay by exempting their backpay from federal income tax liability when the government reopens, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bresnahan’s staff.
The lawmaker also voted for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, H.R. 5371, which would extend government funding through Nov. 21, a continuing resolution that most recently (Oct. 9) failed in the U.S. Senate.
“I voted to keep the government open,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I will keep working for the people of northeastern Pennsylvania to reopen the government, protect the services they rely on, and help them keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.”
H.R. 5695 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.