NO VACATION DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS
When the government shuts down, the American people pay the price — but Congress still gets paid, and too many pack up and head home. If workers across the country can’t clock out when the lights go off, neither should the people responsible for keeping them on.
Shutdowns aren’t “vacations.” They’re failures of leadership — and it’s time to make sure our leaders feel the consequences too.
THE PROBLEM
When Congress fails to pass a budget, federal employees are furloughed or forced to work without pay, while lawmakers still collect salaries and enjoy full benefits.
Shutdowns delay veterans’ benefits, food assistance, housing vouchers, and small-business loans, harming millions of Americans.
Every day of inaction costs taxpayers millions in lost productivity and contract penalties.
Political leaders use shutdowns as leverage for partisan gain, instead of solving the problem they created.
If they don’t do their jobs, they shouldn’t get the perks.
OUR PLAN - ACCOUNTABILITY WITHOUT EXCUSES
We’ll end political hostage-taking by making responsibility unavoidable:
No Vacations, No Pay During Shutdowns — Congress remains in session until a funding agreement passes. Members cannot leave Washington or receive paychecks.
Automatic Continuation of Essential Services — Prevent harm to critical programs (SNAP, veterans’ care, Social Security) even during funding gaps.
Public Attendance Tracker — Require real-time posting of attendance and participation logs for members during shutdown periods.
Shutdown Impact Reports — Mandate public daily updates on which agencies and programs are affected, with cost estimates for every day of closure.
Restoration of Back Pay for Federal Workers Only — Lawmakers don’t get retroactive paychecks — period.
WHY IT MATTERS
If Congress knew that every hour of gridlock meant lost pay, lost comfort, and public accountability, shutdowns would stop being political theater and start being political suicide. Government isn’t a game — and the players should stop treating it like one.
“If the lights go out, they stay at work. No budget, no break.”