Lorain Times

Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio’s 5th District announced that he has requested the Office of Chief Administrative Officer to withhold his pay for the duration of the ongoing government shutdown. Latta, who has represented Ohio’s 5th district in Congress since 2007 after succeeding Paul Gillmor, made the announcement in a public statement.

Latta is also a cosponsor of H.J.Res.128, a proposed Constitutional Amendment introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina’s 5th District. The amendment would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving pay during periods when the federal government is shut down.

In his statement, Latta said, “Government shutdowns are costly and unproductive, and Members of Congress should not be collecting paychecks while other federal workers go without. That’s why I have directed CAO to withhold my paycheck. However, I believe that withholding pay for Members of Congress should not be a voluntary action, rather the standard should be that all Representatives and Senators automatically forgo pay whenever the government is shut down. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a constitutional amendment to prevent Members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown.

“Congress must work together to find a solution so the government can reopen, and we can fulfill our responsibilities to the American people.”

Latta has served in various public offices prior to his tenure in Congress, including time in both chambers of Ohio’s legislature and as a county commissioner. He was born in Bluffton, Ohio in 1956 and currently resides in Bowling Green. Latta holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo.