Here's some breaking news. . .

That is what Bob said, they probably are not hurting themselves too badly, but it does feel that they are considerate of their constituents.

@GardenGerty Absolutely.

Alas, that was my first thought too. Is Trump really considering reducing SNAP payments? I read that somewhere. "aren’t hurting for money"

People have been saying all over the internet that this needed to happen. I am glad some of them are doing it. It is a solidarity type of move.

@porwest Read Heather Echola's post. BTW, I guess you are fine with insurance premiums sky rocketing, maybe you have military insurance Tri care or Champus or whatever. Most people can not afford double the insurance costs, and shouldn't have to pay it.

The Republicans have voted 9 times to reopen the government almost unanimously. The Democrats have voted 9 times to keep it closed. Why is this the Republican's fault? They CAN'T reopen it. Only the Democrats can. The Republicans only have 53 votes. We need 60. It should also be noted that of these politicians refusing their paychecks, 5 are Republicans and only 1 is a Democrat.

@snowy22315 I did read it. So, I am not sure what point you are trying to make here. As for insurance premiums, they have skyrocketed since and because of the Affordable Care Act, pushed through by the Democrats and of course, otherwise known as Obamacare... So, again...what are you trying to say here? lol

I am not sure I understand what you mean.

@GardenGerty Everytime I hear about headlines like this, it makes no sense. Our leaders don't know how to resolve their differences much less anything else. This isn't the first, nor will it be the last we'll face a govornment shutdown. People voluntarrily pushing away a paycheck proves what? They have no real idea what they're doing. I'm sure many have no idea what it's like to truely go without. It's not like by giving up their salleries, they'll lose their homes, and rely on the same assistance low income americans need on the daily.

Write to your Democrat senators. They are the ones putting your benefits in harm's way.

@porwest I made no reference to Democrat or Republican. SOMEONE is making his/her opinions known.

@LindaOHio But I also know what your positions are, and where you are MOST LIKELY passing the blame. Therefore, it is important to make you aware, or help you to be aware where the blame SHOULD be appropriately placed. Trump did not shut down the government and cannot reopen it. The Republicans did not shut down the government and cannot reopen it. Only the Democrats can (aside from other forcible actions the Republicans can take). But if the Republicans USE those forcible actions, the Democrats have no say in the matter and cannot negotiate terms so... They lose either way. Thus, they should just vote to pass the reconciliation bill and take up their argument in another way and at another time. They don't have the power to negotiate. They DO have the power to reopen the government.

They are all Republicans, it should be noted, who are taking this stand, aside from one Democrat. I think that's important, because it is also important to note the Republicans did not shut down the government. The Democrats did. And the Republicans have voted 9 times to reopen it, and the Democrats have voted 9 times to keep it shut down. Just so the record is crystal clear, here.