Some Lawmakers Pledge to Donate Salaries to Charity During Shutdown

At least 108 lawmakers—56 Republicans and 52 Democrats—have said they plan to donate or refuse compensation earned during the duration of the federal government shutdown, writes The Washington Post.

For many members of Congress these pay cuts were announced in response to the hundreds of thousands of non-essential employees forced out of work on Tuesday because of the government shutdown, many of whom won’t be compensated during the course of the impasse.

Unlike other federal employees, members of Congress and the president continue to receive a paycheck because their jobs are authorized by the U.S. Constitution and are paid with mandatory funds, not discretionary spending dependent on annual appropriations.

The list of Congress members forgoing their salary could grow in the coming days if a resolution is not reached.