Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) has joined several other Florida Republicans in refusing his congressional salary as the government shutdown drags on, admitting that "we cannot afford to play these games with the livelihoods of hardworking Americans."
Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) was one of the first members of Congress to ask that her paycheck be withheld when the shutdown began at the beginning of October.
"The Democrats want to shut down the government because we won't give them free healthcare for illegals," Rep. Cammack posted on X. "On top of that, they won't even pass a bill that protects our military or border patrol agents' pay in the event of a shutdown! So let's see if they are willing to give up their pay as well; I'll start."
Shortly after, several other Florida Republicans, including Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Laurel Lee (R-FL), followed suit, with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) going so far as to introduce legislation that would deny lawmakers paychecks during shutdowns.
"While my team and I continue serving our constituents throughout this ordeal, I will not accept pay when our troops, federal workers, and my own teammates are providing essential government services without compensation," Rep. Franklin said in a statement. "The House has done its duty by passing a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats and every Democrat in the Florida delegation are willing to let Americans suffer, using them as leverage for political gain."
Rep. Franklin referenced recent controversial comments from House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), where she said that "shutdowns are terrible, and of course there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer." "We take that responsibility very seriously, but it is one of the few leverage times we have," she added.
