Congressman Bera Gives Up Pay Earned During Shutdown

Press release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. announced Tuesday that he will give up his federal pay for the duration of the government shutdown.

“Congress should lead by example and put people before politics,” said Bera. “If Congress can’t do its job and put the American people first, then they certainly shouldn’t get paid during a crisis that they are causing. We must stop the finger pointing, start acting like adults, and make Washington work for the people again.”

While essential services like air traffic control and homeland security will continue to function during the shutdown, many federal employees will report to work but not receive pay, and many more are being furloughed without pay. Members of Congress, however, continue to be paid.

Bera has led the fight to keep Congress accountable. He’s been a major proponent of the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don’t do their job and pass a responsible budget, they don’t get paid.  Additionally, in response to sequester cuts, he donates 8.2 percent of his check each month to local organization impacted by the cuts.