WACO, Texas (KXXV) \u2014 Since the start of this month’s federal government shutdown, many viewers have reached out to 25 News asking questions regarding congressional pay as millions of people are facing uncertainties about their next pay check \u2014 to show solidarity with those fellow Americans. And many of Texas’ congressional members have requested to have their congressional pays withheld. <\/p>\n
Watch the full story here:<\/p>\n
Which U.S. congress members from Texas decided not to get paid during the government shutdown?<\/p>\n
Reports show that on average each member of Congress earns around $174K a year.<\/p>\n
25 News’ Bobby Poitevint contacted all active U.S. Congress members from Texas\u2019 38 congressional districts \u2014 excluding the 18th district where the seat is vacated after the death of State Representative Sylvester Turner earlier this year.<\/a><\/p>\n Through countless phone calls and emails, 25 News found out that at least seven republicans and three democrats have asked to have their congressional pays withheld during the federal government shutdown.<\/p>\n Republicans: Democrats: \u201cI don\u2019t think members of Congress should be paid while others are having to suffer the loss of income. I think we should suffer equally” said Rep. Green during a press conference. <\/p>\n Waco\u2019s U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions is the only congressional member from Texas that confirmed with 25 News that he has not requested to have his pay withheld.<\/p>\n His office confirming those details with 25 News’ Bobby Poitevint and 25 News’ Madison Myers at least twice since the start of the shutdown.<\/p>\n He points to \u201cstatute and law\u201d that provides safeguards for congressional pay even during federal government shutdowns. <\/p>\n Some of those protections are:<\/p>\n The 27th AmendmentArticle 1, Section 6 in the U.S. ConstitutionThe Permanent Appropriations Act enacted in 1983<\/p>\n
Rep. John Carter
Rep. Nathaniel Moran
Rep. Keith Self
Rep. Lance Gooden
Rep. Morgan Luttrell
Rep. Michael McCaul
Rep. Randy Weber<\/p>\n
Rep. Al Green
Rep. Veronica Escobar
Rep. Julie Johnson<\/p>\n