WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has introduced legislation that would penalize members of Congress financially if they fail to prevent a government shutdown.

The proposal, called the Stop Holding Up Tax-Payers, Deny Wages on Washington’s Negligence (SHUTDOWN) Act, would impose a daily tax on lawmakers for each day a shutdown continues while Congress is in session.

“Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries want to get paid during a government shutdown,” Moreno said in a statement. “That’s ridiculous. If Congress can’t do the bare minimum, we don’t deserve a paycheck.”

Currently, federal law requires members of Congress to continue receiving their salaries even if the government shuts down. Moreno’s bill would add a financial penalty to discourage lawmakers from allowing shutdowns to

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