As President Donald Trump's third government shutdown concludes its first week, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) is paying it forward with her government salary - and the internet is thrilled.
On Thursday, Hirono announced on Twitter that she would be donating her government salary to food banks in Hawaii "for as long as Donald Trump refuses to re-open the government," noting the thousands of employees feeling the sting of a paralyzed federal government.
"More than 2,500 federal workers in Hawaii are either furloughed or working without pay during the #TrumpShutdown," Hirono tweeted. "As long as Donald Trump refuses to re-open the government, I will be donating my salary to Hawaii’s food banks – who serve nearly 1 in 8 Hawaii residents in need."
United States Senators - whose pay by law is unaffected during a shutdown - earn an annual salary of $174,000.
Twitter applauded Hirono's decision.
Hirono's example is one that every member of Congress - and even Trump - can follow. Trump is the one refusing to budge, after all.
Last week, Congress passed a bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government through February 8. The president at the last minute decided he needed more money for a border wall.
Some people are demanding legislation suspending Congressional pay during a government shutdown.
Fair is fair.
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