TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Rep. Steve Watkins is not accepting his congressional salary until the federal government fully reopens.
Watkins spokesman Jim Joice said Monday that the freshman Republican congressman began refusing his salary when he was sworn into office last week. Watkins and most members of Congress are paid $174,000 a year.
Parts of the federal government have been shut down since Dec. 22 because of a dispute over President Donald Trump's demand for funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Watkins tweeted a 16-second video Friday showing him in the U.S. Capitol, saying he's bothered by the shutdown because federal employees in Kansas aren't getting paid. Watkins represents the 2nd District of eastern Kansas.
At the end of the video, Watkins declares, "If you don't get paid, I don't."
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases