Photo by bhromeEleanor Holmes Norton joined the ranks of members of Congress pledging to do something sacrificial should her colleagues fail to pass a deficit reduction bill by tomorrow and trigger automatic, across-the-board budget cuts that will force widespread furloughs across the federal workforce.
In a news release, Norton (D-D.C.) says that if sequestration goes into effect, she will donate one day’s salary for each day that federal workers are forced to take unpaid leave. If the federal budget is sequestered, hundreds of thousands of government employees will be furloughed, including some in key roles like air traffic control, transportation security, food inspection, and defense.
The legislative branch will also be affected, but only the people who work for representatives and senators, not the elected officials themselves. Congressional offices will see their budgets slashed by five percent, potentially leading to pay cuts or furloughs on Capitol Hill, as well as a reduction in constituent services. But as members’ salaries are untouchable thanks to the 27th Amendment, they are not required to share the burden.
Earlier today, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), the ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee, said he would be open to furloughing himself if any of his staffers are forced to take a day off, though that might be a bit unconstitutional.
Norton’s solution, however, appears to pass muster. For every day that federal employees are forced to stay home without pay, Norton says she will donate one day’s salary to the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund, which helps civil servants enduring financial hardships. Norton’s office says her donation will be determined by the agency that experiences the greatest number of furlough days. “For example, if the highest number of furloughs for one agency is one furlough day, but another has 10 such days, Norton would donate 10 days’ pay,” the statement reads.
Rank-and-file members of Congress earn $174,000 a year, or $476.71 per day.
