Senator Rick Scott has joined Senator Tim Scott and several other Republican senators in introducing the Pay Our Capitol Police Act. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that Capitol Police officers continue to receive paychecks during the ongoing government shutdown, which Senate Republicans are calling the “Schumer Shutdown.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, Lindsey Graham, Cindy Hyde-Smith, James Lankford, Jerry Moran, Markwayne Mullin, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan.
Since joining the U.S. Senate in 2019, Senator Rick Scott has advocated for measures such as the No Budget, No Pay Act. This initiative would prevent members of Congress from receiving their own salaries if they do not fulfill their responsibility to fund the government.
Senator Rick Scott stated: “It is despicable that Democrats continue to drag the Schumer Shutdown on, gladly accepting their own paychecks while refusing to open the government or pay our hardworking federal law enforcement, including our Capitol Police. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure these law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep the Capitol, visitors, and members safe, aren’t harmed by Democrats’ political games.”
Senator Tim Scott said: “The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it. The Pay Our Capitol Police Act guarantees they receive the pay and support they have earned. These officers protect the American people and an institution of our democracy, and they should not have to miss paychecks because of political games in Washington.”
Other senators echoed similar sentiments about supporting law enforcement personnel amid political disagreements over government funding.
Senator Markwayne Mullin commented: “The brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly every day to protect us and those that visit the Capitol complex. While the Democrats continue to play politics with paychecks, the Pay Our Capitol Police Act will ensure our officers are supported.”
Senator Kevin Cramer added: “Even during the Schumer Shutdown, Capitol Police officers have tirelessly shown up to protect Congress and the public. The Pay Our Capitol Police Act is the least we can do to ensure our officers will get paid for their service without any more delay or disruption.”
Senator Lindsey Graham said: “It’s foolish not to pay the police officers who protect the U.S. Capitol because of the Schumer Shutdown. They deserve better.”
Senator Jerry Moran also remarked: “The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police risk their lives defending our Capitol, and I am thankful for their service. This legislation would make certain Capitol Police officers, who protect those who work in the Capitol and the thousands of people who visit it every day, receive paychecks during the ongoing shutdown.”
