Press Releases

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) sent a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives requesting to have his pay withheld in the event of a government shutdown.

“In the event of a government shutdown, federal employees will go without pay while Members of Congress continue receiving their pay. Therefore, I requested that my pay also be withheld if there is a shutdown, until our government reopens," said Rep. Duarte.

LETTER TEXT

Dear Ms. Szpindor,

As Congress approaches the September 30, 2023 deadline to fund the government for the 2024 Fiscal Year, it is my understanding that Members of Congress will continue to receive their pay during a lapse in appropriations. Therefore, I am requesting that my pay be withheld in the event of such a lapse in appropriations on October 1, 2023 at 12:00AM Eastern Time.

My request to withhold my pay shall take effect beginning on October 1, 2023 at 12:00AM Eastern Time, and remain in effect until legislation to end such a lapse in appropriations is enacted.

I appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at (202) 225-1947.

Sincerely,

John Duarte
Member of Congress