We’ve had enough! Enough of politicians from both parties playing games with our lives every time the budget deadline comes around. Enough of watching Congress bicker, stall, and posture while the country grinds to a halt.
Let’s be clear: the last time Congress passed a full, on-time budget was 1997. That’s almost thirty years of dysfunction. Meanwhile, ordinary Americans pay the price — lost paychecks, frozen services, and endless uncertainty.
When the government shuts down, workers suffer, families suffer, the whole nation suffers. But Congress? They keep their paychecks. Their benefits. Their privileges. They’re shielded from the consequences of their own failure.
That’s not democracy — that’s hypocrisy.
We’re done tolerating it.
We Demand Real Accountability
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No pay. No perks. Members of Congress should lose all salary and benefits for every day the government is shut down.
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Permanent pay cuts. Reduce congressional pay by 2% per day for every day of a shutdown—no refunds, no make-up raises, no loopholes.
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Equal consequences. If Americans can’t afford to miss a paycheck, neither should the politicians who caused it.
Why It Matters
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The 2018–2019 shutdown left 800,000 federal workers without pay for 35 days, while Congress still got paid.
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That shutdown alone cost taxpayers $6 billion.
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Every shutdown erodes public trust, weakens our democracy, and rewards political gamesmanship over real governance.
It’s time to flip the script.
If Congress can’t do its job, it shouldn’t get paid. Period.
We’re calling for legislation that ends this double standard once and for all. No more excuses. No more safety nets for failed leadership.
Sign this petition to send a message loud and clear:
When the people suffer, Congress should too.
No budget, no pay. No excuses.
