Dr. Benishek Suspends His Own Pay During the Government Shutdown

Press Release

Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) formally requested that his own salary be withheld until legislation is signed into law that reopens the federal government.

"If Congress can't get its work done for the American people, then there should be no paychecks. It's as simple as that. Hard-working moms and dads up here in Northern Michigan earn their paychecks by getting their jobs done," said Dr. Benishek, a general surgeon from Iron River.

Dr. Benishek sent a letter to Dan Strodel, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, requesting that he not receive his Congressional salary while the federal government is shut down. In the event the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer rejects Dr. Benishek's formal request to withhold his pay, he will donate the pay to local charities.

"Clearly, Washington is broken. Like many people in Northern Michigan, I'm deeply disappointed that the partisan politicians who run DC have let it come to this. Being a doctor for the past 30 years, I've always worked with others to find solutions to problems. That's the way Washington should work too," added Dr. Benishek.

Dr. Benishek's request is in line with his endorsement of the "Government Shutdown Fairness Act," which would prevent Members of Congress from being paid during a government shutdown.

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