Congressman Scott Peters: Government Shutdown Update and Holiday Message

Dear Neighbor, 

The arrival of the holiday season has come amid a government shutdown, one that is now the longest in American history. Many San Diegans are hurt by this failure of our government to work the way it’s supposed to. Whether you experience it as a federal employee, an airline passenger, or a family who depexnds on SNAP to feed its children, one thing is certain: Congress has not met its basic responsibility to fund the government. 

Americans understand a simple fact, if you don’t do your job, you shouldn’t get paid. When Members of Congress fail to do their jobs, Americans pay the price – from missed paychecks to delayed services – but Members of Congress still get paid. It’s outrageous that Speaker Johnson cancelled votes indefinitely, sending the House home so we are not in Washington doing our jobs but are still collecting our paychecks. 

That is why I introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act: if Members of Congress don’t pass a budget, they don’t get paid and must remain in Washington to talk to each other and reopen the government as soon as possible. 

Each week for the duration of this shutdown, I’m donating my take-home pay to local organizations that are stepping up to serve our community. I’ve donated to STEP, Serving Seniors, Interfaith Community Services, the San Diego Food Bank, and Feeding San Diego. I’m grateful for their work, and the work of others to care for our neighbors at this moment 

The dysfunction in Washington is exactly why we need more accountability and cooperation – not more gridlock. I’ll keep pushing for both parties to come together around responsible budgets focused on solutions that meaningfully help those who need it. 

During the shutdown, my office remains open to help constituents throughout this disaster. However, most congressional liaisons are furloughed which means there will be delays in obtaining casework updates and responses. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Even with all the noise, I remain hopeful thanks to San Diego’s spirit of working together to make our community stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient. That is why I keep going. 

During this season of gratitude, I am thankful for your continued engagement, your patience, and your belief that our best days are still ahead of us. I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Thanksgiving and a bright start to the new year. 

- Scott Peters