Miller-Meeks Will Withhold Pay If Democrats Shutdown Government

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) announced that she will withhold her congressional pay in the event of a government shutdown caused by Democrats’ refusal to support the bipartisan funding extension passed by the House.

“As someone who served 24 years in the Army, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. If a shutdown forces servicemembers and veterans to go without pay or delays benefits for families who depend on them, members of Congress should not be collecting a paycheck,” said Miller-Meeks. “The House has already passed a bipartisan, clean continuing resolution to responsibly fund the government, but Senate Democrats are demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending and taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants. That is unacceptable. Iowans deserve a government that puts our military, veterans, seniors, farmers, and families first, not political theater.”

See below Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ official letter to Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor requesting her pay be withheld should Democrats shut the government down.

Ms. Catherine Szpindor 

Chief Administrative Officer 

HB-28, Capital Building 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Ms. Szpindor:

Members of Congress are entrusted with a solemn duty to the American people. Our constituents send us to Washington, D.C. to fight for them, not ourselves, and I take seriously the oath I swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Pursuant to the 27th Amendment of the Constitution, I hereby request that my congressional pay be withheld in the event of a lapse in government funding, beginning October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, and continuing until legislation is enacted to end such a lapse.

If federal employees, servicemembers, and families across Iowa are forced to shoulder the burden of a shutdown, Members of Congress should not be exempt. Iowans expect accountability, responsibility, and leadership, not politics as usual.

The American people deserve a fully functioning government. Democrats must put their constituents first, stop holding government funding hostage to radical demands, and join us in keeping our government open.

I appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at (202) 225-6576.

Sincerely,

Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. 

Member of Congress

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