As the partial government shutdown enters its second week, leaving thousands of San Diego federal workers without pay, some of San Diego’s congressional representatives are standing in solidarity and pledging to part with their own paychecks.
Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) said he'll donate his paycheck to groups and charities in his district that are hurt by the shutdown.
“I do not believe that the leadership failure of the Republican majority can subject 800,000 workers to furloughs, and countless Americans to service delays and closures, while I collect a paycheck,” Peters said in a released statement.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the wealthiest member of Congress, said he already donates his entire congressional salary to charity.
Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.) requested that her paychecks be held until the shutdown is over.
In a released statement, Davis said, "Although the Constitution says members must be paid, it is only fair that members of Congress, as federal workers, should share the burden with those affected by the shutdown.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) said he was a co-sponsor of legislation passed over the weekend to ensure back pay for furloughed government workers. Hunter said he will suspend his pay until a resolution is passed.
Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Calif.) could not be reached for comment.
As reported in The Washington Post, more than 200 other members of Congress have also pledged to donate or withhold their salaries during the shutdown. Standard pay for senators and representatives is $174,000 per year, and more if they hold leadership positions.
