House Republicans proposed reducing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg‘s salary to a mere $1 amid intense debates over spending bills with a looming government funding deadline.
What Happened: House Republicans, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), successfully passed an amendment by voice vote. This amendment aims to slash Buttigieg’s salary as part of the 2024 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development spending bill.
Greene also publicly criticized Buttigieg on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, accusing him of not effectively performing his duties. "Pete Buttigieg doesn't do his job. It's all about fake photo ops and taxpayer-funded private jet trip to accept LGBTQ awards for him," she said.
"I'm happy my amendment passed, but he doesn't deserve a single penny."
Despite the amendment’s passage in the House, it faces significant hurdles ahead. The bill containing the amendment requires full House approval and is expected to face strong opposition in the Senate.
Why It Matters: The effort to cut Buttigieg’s pay leverages the Holman Rule, which was reinstated by House Republicans earlier this year. This rule allows members to propose appropriations bill amendments that can reduce federal workers’ salaries to $1, effectively defunding certain positions or programs.
Greene previously targeted Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin‘s salary using the same rule.
As the deadline to avoid a government shutdown approaches, House Republicans, including newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), are struggling to unite on a strategy. While the Senate is considering consolidating several appropriations bills into a single comprehensive package.
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