As the federal government enters its second day of shutdown, Arizona Republican Representative Eli Crane is taking a stand that's drawing attention from both sides. He's requesting that his own paycheck be withheld until the crisis ends.
The government officially shut down yesterday after the House of Representatives passed a funding extension running through November 21, 2025.
However, the measure faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance to the President's desk. Currently, only two Democrats and one Independent support the legislation, leaving it five votes short of breaking the standoff.
Crane's Stance
Eli Crane argues that members of Congress shouldn't collect salaries while everyday Americans face furloughs and delayed paychecks. His decision to forgo his own pay during the shutdown reflects a broader frustration with what he characterizes as Democratic obstruction.
"Even Senate Democrats are getting tired of the Schumer shutdown," Crane stated. "Only five more need to defy him for the government to reopen."
In a pointed jab at his colleagues, Crane suggested that financial incentives might expedite negotiations.
"I bet the shutdown would end in seconds if we told members of Congress that they can't trade stocks during a shutdown," he said, adding, "Note: should never be allowed."
Essentially, the current standoff is over healthcare funding provisions that appear to be non-negotiable for Democrats. Crane agreed with recent statements from President Donald Trump, who claimed, "THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO GIVE YOUR HEALTHCARE MONEY TO ILLEGAL ALIENS AND OPEN OUR BORDERS TO THE CRIMINALS OF THE WORLD, A DEADLY COMBINATION BECAUSE EVERYBODY WILL COME!"
Responding to Donald Trump's assertion, Crane said, "We know this is true… Because this is what they did for four years under Joe Biden."
As the shutdown continues with no immediate resolution in sight, the question remains whether Crane's call for congressional accountability during government shutdowns will gain traction, or if it will take more to break Washington's situation.
