Rep. Matt Gaetz has asked the U.S. House to withhold his pay in the event of a government shutdown. The threat of a government shutdown grows greater as Gaetz and his band of Republican allies in the House are pushing to end funding for Ukraine and prosecutors pursuing cases against former President Donald Trump.
According to multiple sources, including The Washington Times and KATV, Gaetz has formally requested that his congressional pay be withheld until such time as Congress passes the necessary appropriations to fund the government.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives, Gaetz stated, “I hereby request that my pay be withheld until such time as Congress does its job to end any such lapse in appropriations.” The Florida representative’s decision comes amidst a standoff in Congress over issues including aid to Ukraine, as reported by The Daily Caller.
Gaetz’s stance signals not only his personal commitment to resolving the fiscal impasse but also serves as a challenge to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. By voluntarily forgoing his salary, Gaetz is putting pressure on other lawmakers to reach an agreement and prevent a shutdown.
This isn’t the first time Gaetz has demonstrated such fiscal responsibility. According to Newsmax, the congressman has been a vocal advocate for operating within the government’s means and has repeatedly called on Congress to pass a balanced budget.
However, Gaetz’s decision has not been without controversy. Some have questioned the sincerity of his gesture, suggesting it is more of a political maneuver than a genuine act of solidarity. Regardless of the motive, Gaetz’s decision sends a clear message about his stance on government shutdowns and fiscal responsibility.
As the deadline for a shutdown approaches, all eyes will be on Congress to see if they can reach an agreement to keep the government running. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for not only the lawmakers involved but also for the millions of Americans who rely on government services.
