Suhas Subramanyam Refuses Pay During Government Shutdown

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) announced on October 1 that he will forgo his congressional salary during the ongoing Republican-led government shutdown, taking a stand for more than 36,000 federal workers and contractors in his district.

Subramanyam emphasized his commitment to both ending the shutdown and supporting those affected. He is also championing legislation aimed at halting congressional pay during shutdowns and providing additional resources and benefits to federal employees and contractors who go unpaid.

“Government shutdowns are devastating to Virginia families and small businesses,” Subramanyam said. “While Republicans force this shutdown and federal workers and contractors go without pay, I will not accept a paycheck and will continue to stand up for the men and women who protect our communities. This shutdown was completely avoidable, and I will continue to fight for Virginians hurt by Republicans’ inability to pass a budget.”

The announcement underscores growing frustration among lawmakers and the public over repeated shutdowns, which leave federal employees in limbo and disrupt critical government services. By refusing his salary, Subramanyam joins a small but growing group of legislators using personal financial measures to protest the political stalemate.

Subramanyam’s proposed legislation would automatically suspend congressional pay during shutdowns while directing funds to support federal workers, a move he says would prevent future shutdowns from harming everyday Americans.