Representative Xochitl Torres Small Requests Her Pay Be Withheld Until Shutdown Ends

Washington, DC – With the government shutdown about to enter its fourth week, today is the first payday many federal workers will be forced to go without a paycheck. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) acted to end the shutdown, help alleviate the its effects, and stand in solidarity with federal government employees.

Starting this morning, Rep. Torres Small submitted a letter to the Office of Payroll and Benefits requesting that her pay be withheld until the shutdown ended.  Following the letter’s submission, she went to the floor to vote to fund the Department of Interior and related agencies, which would reopen our national parks and other public lands that fuel New Mexico’s tourism economy. Then, she voted for S. 24, a bi-partisan bill overwhelmingly passed by the Senate, and then passed by the House this morning 411-7, which ensures that federal employees will receive back pay.

“It is time to reopen the government.  New Mexico is the state that has been hit the hardest by the shutdown.  There are thousands of federal employees and government contractors unable to work, and private citizens whose businesses depend on the federal government who are losing income.  Too many New Mexicans are wondering when their next pay check will come and when their next bill is due, and this is unacceptable.  I am committed to working with everyone to implement proven border security measures and end this shutdown,” said Rep. Torres Small.  

To learn more about Rep. Torres Small visit TorresSmall.House.gov, or follow her on social media at Facebook.com/RepTorresSmall and @RepTorresSmall.