Connecticut lawmakers are speaking out as the federal government shutdown continues, with two members of Congress pledging to give up their pay.
U.S. Representative Jim Himes says Democrats are ready to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill—but Republicans need to show up and do their jobs or people will suffer. "The pain of this shutdown will be borne by our most vulnerable neighbors—servicemembers living paycheck to paycheck, mothers who rely on food assistance, and grandparents applying for their Social Security," Himes said.
He plans to donate his salary if the shutdown continues into the next pay period.
Congressman Joe Courtney says he will withhold his salary for the duration of the shutdown. "Connecticut's Second District is home to more federal employees than any other congressional district in our state," Courtney said. "If our hardworking servicemembers and federal employees don't get paid during this unnecessary government shutdown, neither will I."