To The Reader’s Forum:

I learned as a very junior Marine Corps Infantry Officer some 70 years ago the following: Rank has its privileges but rank also has responsibilities. I read and hear like so many Americans that because Congress cannot agree on the budget, all federal employees will not be paid, until the votes can be mustered for an agreement. The Senate has failed to approve the temporary spending bill to keep the government open. We can all imagine the hardship this causes to the individuals who serve us all, and who are currently not receiving paychecks.

I ask the Journal to provide the facts on what these members of Congress make. Also include what they get in retirement funds after one term in Congress and what they might get after a number of years. Provide us with how much these people pay into their retirement program. Also tell us if the Congress members will or will not get paid because of the failure to have the funding legislation approved by both houses. I’ll help out on that one: yes, they will be paid.

Is there a better system? I’m dating myself but if Charlie Goodell was still in the Congress, I would suggest he propose legislation that says if the Congress cannot agree on a budget, then no member of Congress or member of their staff would get paid until a budget is approved but all other federal employees would receive their salaries. I’m aware it would be challenged as unconstitutional but then we should change the constitution to help Congress understand what it means to serve. If that suggestion ever got passed, does any one doubt that all employees would get paid timely?

In simple language, the Congress has the responsibility to take care of its troops (its employees). They need to step up to their responsibilities now.

Warren Erickson

Jamestown