SC Congresswoman Nancy Mace says she’ll forego pay if federal government shuts down
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Isle of Palms, says she won’t accept any pay while the federal government is shut down.
Congress has been unable to come to an agreement on a federal spending plan for the budget year that begins Sunday, and a shutdown is expected to begin Saturday at midnight.
“The American people expect Congress to operate like they do,” Mace said a statement released to The State. “That means if they don’t get paid we don’t get paid. As long as the government is shut down, I will not be taking a paycheck.”
Members of Congress are paid $174,000 a year, which works out to a little less than $3,350 a week. Mace is the first member of the South Carolina delegation to say she’ll forego pay during the shutdown.
The Democratic-controlled Senate has worked to bipartisan pass short-term spending bills to keep the government open, but the Republican-controlled House has signaled it is unwilling to approve those.
The looming shutdown comes amid a GOP showdown in the House between hardline conservatives and establishment Republicans.
Nonessential federal government employees will be furloughed. However, they would receive back pay once a deal is reached.
During a shutdown, essential employees will continue to work without pay. However, members of Congress would continue to be paid.
Mace’s office plans to send a letter to the House’s chief administrative office asking her pay be withheld.
Mace’s office said the second-term congresswoman will continue to work during the shutdown despite not receiving pay. Mace would receive back pay after the shutdown is resolved.
“We were sent here to work on behalf of the American people, and if we can’t do our job and pass regular order spending bills like we are tasked in the constitution, then we don’t deserve a dime,” Mace said.
