If federal workers aren’t getting paid, should Congress?
That’s the question echoing from Washington to Nevada as the government shutdown nears the one-month mark.
“No Budget, No Pay?”
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham thinks the answer is simple: no.
He’s proposing a constitutional amendment that would stop congressional paychecks during any government shutdown.
His logic is hard to miss.
“If Members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns and they would end quicker,” he said this week.
Under his plan, that lost pay wouldn’t just disappear – it’d go toward paying down the national debt. Nice idea – but it is a tall climb.
Any amendment needs two-thirds of Congress to pass and approval from three-fourths of the states.
Still, it’s a move that’s already sparking applause from voters tired of business as usual in D.C.
Nevada’s Delegation Weighs In
So what about our folks in Washington?
According to recent reports, several members of Nevada’s congressional delegation say they’re foregoing or donating their pay while the shutdown continues.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said she would donate her salary to Nevada food banks.
Sen. Jacky Rosen said she plans to give hers to local nonprofits, including groups that help with health care and Meals on Wheels.
Rep. Dina Titus said she asked for her pay to be withheld.
Rep. Susie Lee did the same, calling it “playing by the same rules” as regular workers, according to her office.
As for Reps. Steven Horsford and Mark Amodei, their offices haven’t publicly commented yet.
For context, members of Congress earn $174,000 a year.
That’s a comfortable salary compared to the federal workers they represent, many of whom are now facing delayed paychecks and unpaid bills.
Nevada Pitches In at Home
While Congress debates, Nevada’s leaders are trying to soften the blow.
The state just approved $30 million in emergency funds to help food banks prepare for the expected spike in demand as federal SNAP benefits face delays.
Three Square in Las Vegas and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada are among the largest recipients.
Those dollars will keep shelves stocked and trucks moving while programs like SNAP (food stamps) remain on hold.
Gov. Joe Lombardo’s administration says it’s a stopgap, not a solution.
The state can help fill the gap for a while, but it can’t replace federal programs forever.
What’s the Hold-Up in D.C.?
The fight on Capitol Hill centers partly on funding disagreements tied to the Affordable Care Act and other spending priorities.
Democrats want to keep the subsidies going; Republicans say reopen the government first, then debate the funding.
And so the standoff continues.
President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, said Democrats could end the shutdown quickly if they agreed to reopen the government, emphasizing that “the ball is in their court.”
In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of Americans – including here in Nevada – wait for Washington to get its act together.
Actions Speak Louder Than Press Releases
Donating or pausing a paycheck is a nice gesture. It shows solidarity.
But it doesn’t reopen parks, pay TSA agents, or keep food on the table.
Still, Graham’s idea hits a nerve with taxpayers who’ve had enough.
If everyday workers lose pay when government stops working, maybe Congress should too.
Nevada’s doing what it can — feeding families, keeping things running, and staying ready. Now it’s Washington’s turn to do the same.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
