Baumgartner to Withhold Pay Until U.S. Service Members Receive Their Salaries

WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) formally notified Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor of his decision to defer his congressional salary until members of the United States Armed Forces are paid. This action comes in response to the government shutdown that began earlier this morning, which will delay pay for active-duty service members if appropriations are not immediately restored.

“It’s disappointing that Democrats have taken the reckless step of shutting down the Government. Eastern Washington is home to Fairchild Air Force Base and countless military families who make sacrifices for this nation every day,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It is unacceptable that the men and women who wear the uniform and stand guard for our freedoms should ever have their pay withheld because of dysfunction in Washington DC. I will continue working to restore government funding responsibly and ensure our service members receive the support they have earned.”

You can read the letter Baumgartner sent Mrs. Szpindor here.