River Bend Times

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who represents Iowa’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced she will withhold her congressional pay if a government shutdown occurs due to what she describes as Democrats’ refusal to support a bipartisan funding extension passed by the House.

Miller-Meeks, who has served in Congress since 2021 after replacing Dave Loebsack and previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2019 to 2021, said, “As someone who served 24 years in the Army, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. If a shutdown forces servicemembers and veterans to go without pay or delays benefits for families who depend on them, members of Congress should not be collecting a paycheck.” She added, “The House has already passed a bipartisan, clean continuing resolution to responsibly fund the government, but Senate Democrats are demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending and taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants. That is unacceptable. Iowans deserve a government that puts our military, veterans, seniors, farmers, and families first, not political theater.”

In an official letter addressed to Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Miller-Meeks wrote:

“Members of Congress are entrusted with a solemn duty to the American people. Our constituents send us to Washington, D.C. to fight for them, not ourselves, and I take seriously the oath I swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Pursuant to the 27th Amendment of the Constitution, I hereby request that my congressional pay be withheld in the event of a lapse in government funding, beginning October 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, and continuing until legislation is enacted to end such a lapse.

If federal employees, servicemembers, and families across Iowa are forced to shoulder the burden of a shutdown, Members of Congress should not be exempt. Iowans expect accountability, responsibility and leadership—not politics as usual.

The American people deserve a fully functioning government. Democrats must put their constituents first; stop holding government funding hostage to radical demands; and join us in keeping our government open.

I appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at (202) 225-6576.”

Miller-Meeks was born in Herlong, California in 1955 and currently lives in Le Claire. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a BSN degree in 1976.