Lubbock’s Congressman Won’t Take Salary During Budget Standoff

With the federal government in another shutdown showdown, Lubbock Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) says he’s not taking a paycheck until things are back on track — and he’s calling out the system that lets Members of Congress get paid while service members and federal workers wait.

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Standing with the Military

Arrington, who serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, sent a formal request for his salary to be withheld until an appropriations agreement is reached.

I find it fundamentally flawed that members of our military will not receive a paycheck during this time, yet we as their representatives are permitted to live under a different set of rules. Therefore, I request my pay be withheld until an appropriations agreement has taken effect.

In plain English, Arrington says if troops aren’t getting paid, neither should Congress.

Wait, What’s a “Government Shutdown,” Anyway?

Think of it like this: every year, Congress has to agree on how to spend the nation’s money — from defense to national parks to Social Security offices. Those spending bills are called appropriations.

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If Congress and the President can’t agree on a budget in time, many federal operations have to close until they do. That’s what’s happening right now.

Essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement keep running, but a lot of other government workers — and members of the military — have to show up to work without getting paid until the shutdown ends.

Here’s the kicker: Congress’s paychecks don’t stop, thanks to a law that guarantees them continuous pay. That’s why Arrington — and several other lawmakers — are refusing to take theirs until everyone else gets paid too.

Lubbock’s Voice in the Fight

Arrington represents Texas’ 19th District, which covers Lubbock and much of West Texas. He’s been outspoken about the need for spending reform, saying Washington’s budget battles shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Americans — especially the men and women serving in uniform.

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Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s for sure: he’s putting his money (or lack thereof) where his mouth is.