Tsongas Says She Will Not Take Paycheck During Government Shutdown

By Andrew Sylvia.

The federal government has been shut down, and one of Andover's members of Congress has pledged not to take a paycheck until the crisis has been resolved.

In a statement from Tuesday morning, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-Lowell) stated she will not accept a paycheck for the duration of the government shutdown.

Tsongas also noted that her offices in Washington and throughout the Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District will remain open for constituents in need of information or assistance.

“In the coming days I will continue to work closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to re-open the government and keep us moving forward to a long-term solution,” she said.

Tsongas also reiterated her frustration against Washington Republicans for their role in the shutdown.

“This government shutdown was entirely preventable, which makes the actions that brought us to this point utterly irresponsible,” said Tsongas.  “Millions will lose pay, from federal workers to private contractors.  At military installations here in Massachusetts, thousands of civilian employees, who already have weathered furloughs over the course of the summer will unforgivably be asked to put their work on hold and go without pay once again.”