Larson Introduces “Make America Govern Again” Act to Pay Federal Workers and Block Members of Congress and Trump Officials from Taking Checks During Shutdown

East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the MAGA (Make America Govern Again) Act to ensure all federal workers – both military and civilian – are paid during the government shutdown. His bill would also withhold pay from Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, Cabinet, and White House political appointees. 

“Dedicated federal workers doing everything they can to keep the lights on during this shutdown have already missed pay this month, making it even harder to pay rent, put food on the table, and afford basic necessities,” said Larson. “It is plain wrong for our dedicated civil servants like Capitol Police, air traffic controllers, educators and others to be forced to work without pay while politicians keep getting paid. I have already committed to forgo my salary until government re-opens, as have some of my colleagues. My 'MAGA’ Act will do right by our federal workforce and hold Members of Congress, President Trump, and his team’s feet to the fire to return to work for the people they are sworn to serve.” 

During a government shutdown, Members of Congress continue to be paid while federal workers are either furloughed or asked to show up to work without pay. President Trump has threatened to prevent workers from receiving backpay when the government re-opens, even though he previously signed a law to ensure backpay for all federal workers.  

He also tried to permanently lay off thousands of workers, including the entire Office of Special Education and staff who oversee the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and mental health services. These terminations have been blocked by a federal judge.  

The federal government has been shut down since October 1st, after President Trump told Republicans to “not even bother” negotiating with Democrats to keep government open. Every House and Senate Democrat has come together to support a plan to re-open government, reverse cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage, and extend health care tax credits that help 20 million Americans afford their premiums.   

View full bill text HERE.