US House of Representatives

Rep. Brad Schneider Says He Will Return Salary if Government Shuts Down

While the Constitution provides for congressmen to receive paychecks during a potential government shutdown, at least one member of Illinois’ congressional delegation will not accept his pay.

On Friday, Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued a statement saying that he would return his salary to the United States Treasury if Democrats and Republicans fail to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution to keep the government open beyond Friday evening.

“In the working world, when people fail to do their jobs, they don’t get paid,” Schneider said. “Members of Congress should be held to the same standard.”

No one else in Illinois’ delegation has announced their salary plans. Arizona Congressman Tom O’Halleran has also said that he will give up his salary for the duration of any government shutdown.

The House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government on Thursday, but it appears unlikely that the Senate will vote in favor of the measure. Senate Democrats have said they will not vote for any C.R. that doesn’t contain a promised fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.

 If a compromise is not reached by Friday night, a government shutdown will be triggered, meaning that most federal workers will be furloughed until an agreement is struck. 

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