Proposal to withhold pay from Congress, president during government shutdowns

WASHINGTON -- Three congressmen introduced a bill that would withhold pay from members of Congress, the president and the vice president in the event of a government shutdown.

Rep. Max Rose of New York, Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas and Rep. Jared Golden of Maine introduced the "Solidarity in Salary Act" on the House floor Tuesday afternoon.

"Federal employees should never have to carry the burden caused by a dysfunctional government," Crenshaw said. "We should have to feel the very real effects of a shutdown, just as our fellow federal employees are forced to do."

The legislation comes days after the 35-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, denied pay to 800,000 federal workers.

According to the bill, daily pay for the president, vice president and congressmen would be placed in escrow. That money would be released after the government reopens.

Similar legislation, the "No Budget, No Pay" bill, has been proposed by Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and 11 other members of the Senate.

Take a look at more stories and videos about the government shutdown.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App