A Democrat lawmaker has introduced a bill that would stop members of Congress from using the gym and sauna during a government shutdown.
A Democrat lawmaker introduced legislation to close the gym and sauna used by members of Congress during a government shutdown, blaming Republicans for “an abdication of their responsibilities as elected officials.”
Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) introduced the Shutdown Prioritization Act (SPA) following the partial government shutdown on Dec. 23. The bill would keep the Architect of the Capitol—who is the builder and steward for landmark buildings and grounds of Capitol Hill—from operating the gym during a government shutdown.
Foster introduced the bill following the partial government shutdown, which occurred on midnight Dec. 21, after lawmakers failed to reach a compromise on budget legislation. The key stumbling block in the discussions is President Donald Trump’s request of $5.7 billion to build a wall on the border with Mexico. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home until Dec.
