A growing chorus of veteran lawmakers in Congress are sharply criticizing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his initial reluctance to commit to forgoing his salary during the ongoing government shutdown. The pointed questions come as thousands of federal employees, including vital security personnel, are forced to work without pay.
Representatives Gabe Evans, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Tom Barrett, all Army veterans, have each pledged to donate their paychecks for the duration of the shutdown. Their decision stems from a deep concern for the financial hardship faced by American service members and federal workers.
The initial scrutiny arose after Jeffries repeatedly avoided a direct answer when questioned on CNN about whether he would defer his pay. His responses were vague, promising a comment “shortly” but offering no firm commitment.
The delay sparked immediate backlash. Evans, a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, labeled Jeffries’ evasiveness an “insult to Americans,” highlighting what he sees as a disconnect between the leadership and those they serve.
Evans emphasized the real-world impact of the shutdown, stating he understands the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, having experienced it himself as both a police officer and soldier. He framed his decision to defer pay as a demonstration of solidarity with affected federal employees.
Miller-Meeks, a retired lieutenant colonel, directly challenged Jeffries’ priorities, suggesting that a genuine concern for working families would have already resolved the shutdown. She pointed to the potential loss of SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans and the unpaid service of troops as evidence of the crisis.
Barrett, a 22-year veteran, accused Jeffries of hypocrisy, arguing that the Minority Leader should not be compensated while actively contributing to the suffering of the American people through the shutdown. He demanded an end to what he called a “rules for thee and not for me” attitude.
After facing mounting criticism from the Republican veterans, Jeffries eventually stated his November paycheck would be withheld. However, questions remain regarding whether he received his October paycheck during the initial stages of the shutdown.
Despite previously acknowledging the sacrifices being made by individuals like Capitol Police officers, Jeffries’ initial hesitation fueled accusations of political maneuvering and a lack of empathy for those directly impacted by the government’s closure.
The situation underscores the growing tension in Congress as the shutdown extends into its fifth week, with lawmakers divided on how to address the ongoing crisis and its consequences for federal workers and the nation as a whole.
