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Letter: No government, no pay for Congress

Pennsylvania Avenue leads to the U.S. Capitol as seen from the Old Post Office Pavilion Clock Tower, which remains open during the partial government shutdown, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, denying needed revenue to hundreds of thousands of employees, the most glaring injustice is that Congress and White House employees receive their full pay without interruption no matter how long the shutdown lasts.

The warring entities would be far more motivated to talk seriously if their financial welfare were on the line too.

Where is the national outrage and activism in this debate? And where is a national petition to tie payment of salaries for congressional members, the White House and their staffs to the timely passage of appropriation bills that ensures uninterrupted government function and payment of employees’ earned compensation?

Jim Bach, Salt Lake City

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