With the government shutdown end and impact now in sight, allow us to conclude with one our briefest blog posts, as it’s not difficult to say what needs to be said…
First, allow us to provide factually, non-emotional context as to why this shutdown existed…
The U.S. government shutdown was due to a failure by Congress to pass a budget to fund government operations beyond the fiscal year deadline of September 30th. The shutdown was a result of a political stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over spending levels and policy provisions, particularly concerning funding for the Affordable Care Act subsidies, which were implemented during COVID-19 as an emergency measure. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended the subsidies until 2025; the Democrats sought to use agreement of a new funding bill as leverage to extend the subsidies once more.
Next, allow us to admittedly, incompletely acknowledge the impact of the shutdown on everyday Americans…
The following groups typically do not get paid for the duration of a funding lapse: furloughed federal employees, “excepted”/“essential” federal employees (such as TSA officers, air traffic controllers, law enforcement, and in-hospital medical staff), active-duty military personnel, government contractors, and some congressional and judicial staff. Also, there have been widespread delays, stops and/or disruptions to air travel, federal food and nutrition benefits, National Park facilities, FHA-insured mortgages and more.
And lastly, since Democrats and Republicans are likely to do this again, utilizing all potential political leverage, knowing they each typically only kick the can down the road — allow us to actually fix the problem…
When Congress isn’t working, let’s stop paying congresspersons.
People don’t care as much until it affects them personally. With all due respect, a shutdown needs to affect the Democrats and Republicans each personally.
Most members of Congress are paid $174,000 annually. Additionally they receive various benefits, including a private health insurance plan and retirement plans, and are eligible for a per diem allowance for lodging and expenses while working in Washington, D.C.
To be clear, it is not possible to unilaterally stop paying congresspersons because their compensation is mandated by Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution. However, it is elementary HR logic that we pay people for their work. If the government is shut down, congresspersons are not working.
Respectfully…
AR