Emerald Coast Times

Washington, D.C. — Today, in anticipation of a potential government shutdown at midnight on October 1st, 2023, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) has taken the proactive step of sending a letter to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Catherine Szpindor, requesting to have his pay withheld until the government is funded.

Over the past eight months, Rep. Gaetz has consistently advocated for Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) to fulfill his promise and bring individual, single-subject spending bills to the House floor for open amendments, in order to avoid a shutdown. Unfortunately, this has not occurred, and the nation now faces the possibility of a lapse in appropriations at the end of the week. As a result, Rep. Gaetz has made the decision to request that his congressional pay be withheld until Congress fulfills its duty to end any such lapse in appropriations.

Rep. Gaetz's letter to CAO Szpindor can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the letter by Daily Caller can be found HERE.

LETTER TEXT

Dear Ms. Szpindor,

"It is my understanding that pursuant to the Constitution, members of Congress will continue to receive their pay during a lapse in appropriations. Therefore, I am requesting that in the case of a lapse of appropriations beginning at 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2023, my pay be withheld until legislation has taken effect to end such lapse in appropriations in its entirety."

I appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at (202) 225-4136.

Sincerely,

Matt Gaetz

Member of Congress

For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter here.