Folks,

Last month, Republicans brought us dangerously close to a disastrous government shutdown.

If it happened, servicemembers and essential employees would have had to work without a paycheck. Tens of thousands of New Jersey children would have been left without child care. Mothers would have been left without food assistance. Critical government functions like food and environmental inspections would have been halted.

But members of Congress would still be paid.

In my mind, that’s unacceptable. If America’s public servants aren’t getting paid because Congress has failed them, then why should we?

That’s why I recently co-sponsored the bipartisan No Budget, No Pay Act. This legislation would prohibit lawmakers from getting paid until Congress passes a budget that keeps the government open and working for the people — because that’s who we’re accountable to.

And while we thankfully averted a shutdown earlier, extremist Republicans are dangerously guiding us toward one in just a matter of weeks because of their chaos and dysfunction.

It’s time to hold Congress accountable and ensure lawmakers are working for the people. If you agree, click below to add your name as a citizen co-sponsor of the No Budget, No Pay Act today to demand better from our elected officials.

Thank you for adding your support for this vital legislation, and for standing with me as I fight hard to avoid a disastrous government shutdown.

— Mikie