Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL) announced Thursday that he will forfeit 5 percent of his salary in response to workers furloughed or laid off as a result of budget sequestration. Murphy plans to donate the money to Florida charities. He said in a statement:
“Sequestration’s indiscriminate cuts are causing furloughs and job losses as well as cutting funding to many important programs in our communities, yet the salaries of members of Congress have not been affected. That is why I am going to take a portion of my salary each month to support local charities who continue to go above and beyond to provide vital services to those in our community. I am looking forward to giving back to the community and for this first contribution to go to such a special cause, to assist the family of Sgt. Morales. When our community lost a hero, they also lost a husband and father and it has been moving to see the community come together to support them during this most difficult time.”
President Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel have also announced that they will give up some of their income in a show of support to those who have been impacted by the sequester.
