Barrett Joins Bipartisan Group Requesting Member Pay Be Withheld During Shutdowns

Washington, D.C. — This week, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined a bipartisan group of his first-term colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives requesting that pay for members of Congress be withheld during government shutdowns. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, the group of lawmakers emphasized that Congress must be held accountable when it fails to meet its most basic responsibility of funding the federal government and expressed their support for the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act (H.R. 5891).

“As new Members of Congress, we came to Washington with fresh energy and perspective, committed to delivering results and restoring trust in this institution,” the lawmakers wrote. “While we will continue to have honest disagreements over spending levels and policy priorities, we can all agree that Congress must fulfill this basic duty.

“When Congress fails to do this essential job, the consequences are immediate and widespread. … Those who have no role in funding the government are often the ones who feel the impact first and most,” the lawmakers continued. “Yet … Members of Congress continue to receive their salaries. That disconnect undermines public trust and sends the wrong message to the people we serve.”

Barrett was joined in signing the letter by Representatives Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Representatives Julie Fedorchak (ND-At Large), Randy Fine (FL-06), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Mark Harris (NC-08), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Tim Moore (NC-14), Bob Onder (MO-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Tony Wied (WI-08).

Click here to read the full letter.

Background:

The Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act (H.R. 5891) would suspend member pay during any shutdown this Congress, and reduce member pay next Congress in accordance with the 27th Amendment that only allows Congress to change their salary after the next election. The bill passed unanimously out of the House Administration Committee on March 18, 2026.