In a move of solidarity with the U.S. Border Patrol, a key Republican senator has asked to forgo his pay until the partial government shutdown ends.

Montana Sen. Steve Daines asked Secretary of the Senate Julie E. Adams to stop his pay during the shutdown, adding his name to the estimated 800,000 federal employees who will miss the first paycheck due to the standoff between President Trump and Democrats over his demand for border wall funding.

Daines specifically mentioned the Border Patrol, under the unfunded Homeland Security Department which is impacted by the shutdown. Many agents are still on the job.





“I believe all sides need to come together to enhance border security and reopen the government.” Daines wrote. “Until that occurs and Border Patrol agents and other federal personnel again receive their paychecks, I think it would be inappropriate for me to receive my pay.”

Employees impacted by the shutdown are expected to get all of their back pay once the shutdown ends and both the House and Senate have indicated they will OK a slight pay raise.