To the editor:

Under the present administration, we have had government shutdowns in both terms. Just think about that. Each time there is a shutdown, the American people suffer. Our federal workers and their families suffer more than others, due to the fact that these workers go without a paycheck when congressmen and women are paid their full salary until however long it takes to resolve the inconvenience. The irony in all of this is, why do congressional folks get paid their salary when the people who actually pay taxes do not? To add insult to injury, Mike Johnson felt the need to send the Republicans home on vacation to further prolong this travesty. This was done to help delay the release of certain information. He further delayed the resolution of this problem, without any thought of what the American people were enduring.

In conclusion, there should never be another shutdown of our government. Our Congress should stay in session in Washington until there is a resolution to whatever problem arises, even if they sleep there. We the people vote for Congress to work for the U.S. and not go on vacation to placate an individual. The average worker does not get the privilege of hiding when things get complicated at work.

Our government needs to pass legislation before the next possible shutdown to ensure that all government workers are paid in full, the same as the congressmen and women. Why hasn’t Congress thought of this? Our government needs to remember that it works for the people of this country and not for any individual. Legislation needs to be passed ASAP, as we have the possibility of another shutdown at the end of January 2026. We never want this to happen again. I am hopeful that this will be done.

Suzanne Hughes

Malone