Bucks Co. Congressman Votes To Keep Government Open

DOYLESTOWN, PA ? A Bucks County Congressman is calling on members of Congress to forgo their pay during the government shutdown.

"This especially applies to my colleagues who voted against the bipartisan, bicameral funding bill that passed the House last week, which would keep the government funded and open," wrote Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) in a Facebook posting.

According to Fitzpatrick, despite a lapse of appropriations and amidst the current government shutdown, members of Congress will continue receiving their salary despite a lapse in appropriations.

"I will not be doing so," he said.

Fitzpatrick said he sent a letter to the chief administrative officer of the U.S. House of Representatives directing her to "withhold all payments to me for the entire duration of any lapse in government funding."

Fitzpatrick said he voted "to keep the government open," which he has done under both Democrat and Republican Presidents and Congresses.

"On every single government funding bill that?s been put on the floor ? regardless of who put it on the floor ? my vote has always been yes" to keeping the government open, said Fitzpatrick. "I have maintained this consistent position regardless of who is in leadership, because keeping the government open is not ? and must never be ? a partisan issue.

"That is why last week, I did so once again ? voting yes on a bipartisan, bicameral government funding bill that would keep the government open," he said. "Today?s New York Times poll confirms that the American people overwhelmingly support this position, and it should come as no surprise to anyone in Washington."

He continued, "I urge my colleagues to join our bipartisan bill to fund our federal agencies and keep the government open. Collaboration and passage of the other policy provisions will happen. I agree with, and support, many of these proposals. But this collaboration must take place when the government is fully funded and open, not shut down.

"U.S. Senator John Fetterman agrees, and I thank him for joining us in showing courage and leadership here," said Fitzpatrick.