Congressman Bob Latta moves to have pay withheld during government shutdown

OHIO — As the government shutdown continues on its first day, Ohio joins the rest of the country in feeling several impacts, from the closing of the National Museum of U.S. Air Force, to the unsurety military members and their families face as they return to work and how it could affect Ohio’s only national park. 

Republican Congressman Bob Latta, representing Ohio’s fifth district, released a statement saying that he would have his pay withheld during this government shutdown. He contacted the Office of Chief Administrative Officer for the move.

“Government shutdowns are costly and unproductive, and Members of Congress should not be collecting paychecks while other federal workers go without,” Latta said in a news release. “That’s why I have directed CAO to withhold my paycheck. However, I believe that withholding pay for Members of Congress should not be a voluntary action; rather, the standard should be that all Representatives and Senators automatically forgo pay whenever the government is shut down. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a constitutional amendment to prevent members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown.”

Latta joined Rep. Ralph Norman, SC-5, in cosponsoring a proposed constitutional amendment to prevent Congress members from being paid during a government shutdown.

“Congress must work together to find a solution so the government can reopen, and we can fulfill our responsibilities to the American people,” Latta said in a news release.