Amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, more than 100,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees are facing unpaid salaries for the second week. While some members of New York’s congressional delegation have shared their stance on accepting paychecks during this time, others have chosen to remain silent.
Only two Empire State congressional offices have responded to inquiries regarding their members’ acceptance of six-figure salaries while DHS employees, such as Coast Guard members and TSA screeners, are dealing with the financial impact of the shutdown.
Rep. Pat Ryan from New York has stated that he will not accept pay during the shutdown, while Rep. Laura Gillen has not disclosed her decision regarding her $174,000 salary.
Senator Chuck Schumer and other members of New York’s delegation have not responded to requests for comment on their pay status. Meanwhile, Senator Rick Scott from Florida, who has donated his salary during his time in the Senate, has introduced legislation that would prevent members of Congress from receiving pay until a budget resolution is approved.
Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has proposed the SHUTDOWN Act, which would impose a daily tax on members of Congress during a government shutdown. The debate over paychecks during shutdowns continues among lawmakers.
Amid the ongoing shutdown, some politicians have taken a stand on accepting pay, while others have chosen not to comment on the issue. The financial impact of the shutdown on DHS employees continues to be a point of contention in Congress.
