Vern Buchanan: Congress Shouldn't Be Paid if Government Shuts Down

Looking ahead to a possible federal shutdown, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., said on Thursday that members of Congress should not be paid if it happens.

No small business would pay someone who refuses to do their job, said Buchanan. So why should senators or House members be paid for failing to fulfill one of their most basic responsibilities? They shouldnt. Thats why I support legislation to withhold congressional paychecks should a shutdown occur on Oct. 1. Its time for Congress and the president to put aside the partisanship and do whats in the best interest of the country.

Buchanan is a co-sponsor of Government Shutdown Fairness Act (HR 3160).