2 Hawaii congresswomen decline pay for duration of government shutdown

WASHINGTON D.C. (HawaiiNewsNow) - As national leaders scramble to find a solution to reopen the federal government following a shutdown Friday night, two members of Hawaii's congressional delegation are opting out of their pay until a solution is reached.

On Saturday afternoon, U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa announced they were opting out of pay for the duration of the shutdown.

In a statement, Gabbard said, "Enough is enough. The failure to pass a year-long budget, and allowing the government to shutdown, while playing political football with issues of humanity is inexcusable. I will not accept any pay during this shutdown, and stand with our troops, law enforcement, first responders, and federal employees in Hawaii and nationwide who continue to serve and report for duty with no pay during this shutdown."

"Congress needs to put people before politics and reopen the government," Gabbard added.

Hanabusa said she plans to donate the portion of her salary during the shutdown to charity.

"If we cannot work together through the regular order to keep the government funded and functioning then we should put our salaries to good use supporting causes that help people and nurture the communities who need it most," Hanabusa said.

Both Hanabusa and Gabbard declined pay during the 2013 shutdown.

Gabbard returned her salary to the U.S. Treasury and Hanabusa donated hers to the Meals on Wheels program and the Moiliili Community Center.

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