The Senate decided DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was more important than passage of a budget, therefore, at least temporarily, shutting down the government. That will affect timely payment to our military personal. Being a veteran, I know that not receiving a paycheck on time can have a lot of ramifications.

However, Congress will still be paid on time. So if the Senate cannot get their act together and pass a budget without all the side shows, then every senator who voted against the budget should forfeit two days of pay for everyday the government is shut down — two days’ pay since Congress gets paid a whole lot more than the GI out there away from their families protecting all of us back here in the comforts of our homes. What a shameful Senate action.

Larry Brickman

Bellevue