Some CT members of Congress forgo pay as federal shutdown enters third week

CONNECTICUT, USA — As the government shutdown stretches into its third week, several U.S. senators and representatives are choosing to forgo their paychecks until the standoff in Washington is resolved.

Rep. John Larson said lawmakers shouldn’t be exempt from the financial strain many federal workers are facing.

“It shouldn’t be the case if people are asked to suffer in general, that members who are there and responsible for the decision shouldn’t bear a similar kind of burden,” Larson said.

The decision by some members of Congress to have their pay withheld is largely symbolic, meant to show solidarity with the thousands of federal employees who are currently working without pay or furloughed during the shutdown. But it also sends a clear message about the seriousness of the ongoing