Gaetz Says He Will Forego Pay if Government Shuts Down

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is requesting he does not receive pay if the federal government shuts down.

"It is my understanding that pursuant to the Constitution, members of Congress will continue to receive their pay during a lapse in appropriations," Gaetz wrote in a Tuesday request to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House. "Therefore, I am requesting that in the case of a lapse of appropriations beginning at 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2023, my pay be withheld until legislation has taken effect to end such lapse in appropriations in its entirety."

Members of Congress continue to receive pay during government shutdowns because their pay, per the Constitution, is not funded through the annual federal budget.

Gaetz has been one of the most vocal House Republicans demanding steeper spending cuts and resisting supporting a larger federal budget or continuing resolution before the fiscal year expires at the end of the month.

In an appearance this week on Sunday Morning Futures, Gaetz argued a government shutdown would not be as consequential as critics claim.

"So, if the Department of Labor and Education has to shut down for a few days as we get their appropriations in line, that's certainly not something that is optimal, but I think it's better than continuing on the current path that we are to America's financial ruin," he said.