Fedorchak, Goodlander lead bipartisan freshman letter urging vote on the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) led a bipartisan group of freshman Members in urging House leadership to advance for a floor vote legislation to withhold Member pay during government shutdowns.

In a letter sent to Speaker Mike Johnson and signed by bipartisan freshman class Members, they emphasized that Congress must be held accountable when it fails to meet its most basic responsibility: funding the federal government.

"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 Members 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 Members 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."

The lawmakers expressed support for H.R. 5891, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, which would place Member salaries in escrow during a shutdown, ensuring compliance with the 27th Amendment while holding Congress accountable. The bill passed unanimously out of the House Administration Committee on March 18th, 2026, and the members now urged Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise to bring it to the floor for a vote.

"We believe Congress should operate differently. Members should share in the consequences of a shutdown-not be insulated from them," the letter states. "Doing so would better align incentives to come to the negotiating table, reinforce accountability, and demonstrate to the American people that we take our responsibilities seriously."

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

The full list of signers:

• Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI)
• Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC)
• Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA)
• Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO)
• Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL)
• Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX)
• Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX)
• Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL)
• Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO)
• Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT)
• Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC)
• Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA)
• Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN)
• Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC)
• Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO)
• Rep. David Taylor (R-OH)

###