Georgia Congressman Going Without Pay During Shutdown

Some Georgia Congressman have opted to go without a paycheck until the shutdown ends.

Among them is 9th District Congressman Doug Collins.

Collins, along with Congressmen Republicans Buddy Carter of Pooler, Rob Woodall of Lawrenceville, Austin Scott of Tifton, and Rick Allen of Evans are part of a group of at least 70 lawmakers on Capitol Hill who have requested they not be paid.

Under the Constitution, federal lawmakers cannot refuse their paychecks, but they can request they be held or donated to charity.

Collins said he and fellow House Republicans are fighting for the rights of Americans and the border wall.

“We’re in agreement as long as the shutdown goes on, we’re not going to take a paycheck. It’s sad that the Democrats have brought us to this point, but we’re going to continue to fight for not only these (federal) workers but also for our rights along the border,” Collins said.

Additionally, U.S. Sen. David Perdue has also requested his salary be withheld during the shutdown.

Collins and other Republican lawmakers had lunch with President Donald Trump this week.

He says discussions centered around the border wall and the ongoing stalemate with Democrats.

“We discussed the situation on the border. Democrats were invited to the meeting, but they chose not to come. It just shows that the President is willing to make the effor to find a solution, while the Democrats continue to oppose anything this President wants to do,” Collins said.

Collins noted however, many Democrats have voted for increased border security and funding for the wall in the past.

He says the border issue must be solved before any meaningful immigration reform can take place.

“We need to get this solved and we need to get this solved fast, but the Democrats have to come to the table with a plan that not only protects Americans, but puts us on a long-term, sustainable path to our  immigration system,” Collins noted.

The federal shutdown is now in its fourth week.