WASHINGTON, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – Should Congress be paid during a government shutdown? GOP Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan says “no.”

This week, Barrett joined a bipartisan group of first-term colleagues in the U.S. House requesting that pay for members of Congress be withheld during government shutdowns. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, the lawmakers voiced their support for H.R. 5891, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act. They said Congress must meet the basic responsibility of funding the federal government, and paychecks should be stopped when lawmakers fail to do their jobs.

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“As new Members of Congress, we came to Washington with fresh energy and perspective, committed to delivering results and restoring trust in this institution,” the lawmakers wrote. “While we will continue to have honest disagreements over spending levels and policy priorities, we can all agree that Congress must fulfill this basic duty.”

The letter continued, “When Congress fails to do this essential job, the consequences are immediate and widespread. Those who have no role in funding the government are often the ones who feel the impact first and most. Yet…Members of Congress continue to receive their salaries. That disconnect undermines public trust and sends the wrong message to the people we serve.”

The most recent government shutdown, which ended on Feb. 26, lasted 40 days. The main sticking point revolved around funding for the Department of Human Services, which includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.