Speaker John Boehner has sent a letter to his colleagues saying that he will return to the Treasury any pay that he gets during a government shutdown.
Here is the text of the letter as provided by the Speaker's office:
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Members, the Resident Commissioner, Delegates,
Committee Chairmen, and House Officers
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Colleague:
In the event of a lapse in appropriations for fiscal year 2011 causing a government shutdown, I will return any and all compensation that I would otherwise be entitled during such a lapse in appropriations. During such shutdown, all members would be paid pursuant to the provisions of the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution which states that no law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened. This requirement of the Constitution does not bar individual members from refusing to accept their compensation for any time when a lapse in appropriations occurs. Should you desire to have your compensation returned to the United States Treasury, you may do so and House Administration Committee can assist in executing your decision.
Sincerely,
John A. Boehner
