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Congressman Chris Collins

Representing the 27th District of New York

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Congressman Chris Collins Introduces Government Shutdown Fairness Act

Sep 24, 2013
Press Release
Collins Urges Colleagues Not to Collect Salary in Event of Shutdown
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) has introduced the Government Shutdown Fairness Act (H.R. 3160). This legislation would stop Members of Congress from receiving a salary in the event of a government shutdown.
 
“As Members of Congress, it is our job to keep the government running, and if the government shuts down, I don’t believe we should collect a salary during that time,” said Congressman Collins. “It is wrong that Members of Congress should continue to get paid while programs for veterans, seniors and many others are adversely impacted.”
 
This type of legislation has proven effective in the past. Earlier this year, the House passed the No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 (H.R. 325), which said Members of Congress would not be paid unless they passed a budget. Following the passage of No Budget, No Pay, the Senate adopted a budget resolution for the first time in four years. 
 
The Government Shutdown Fairness Act is consistent with the 27th Amendment in holding salaries in escrow until the end of this Congress.
 
“Salary and job performance should be tied together, and if Members of Congress aren’t doing their job, that should be reflected in their salary. The American people deserve more from their Congress and it is time, as Members of Congress, that we put ourselves at the back of the line and put our constituents first in a government shutdown,” said Congressman Collins.