Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) does not know that essential federal workers, including the Capitol Police, are not paid during the government shutdown.
Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, doesn't know whose pay he's blocking)
In a post on
his Facebook page in response to the shooting at the Capitol on October 3rd, Rep. DesJarlais said:
My staff and I are OK. Please pray for the Capitol Police Officers who protect us and keep us safe.
Some of DesJarlais' constituents pointed out that, in addition to praying for the Capitol Police, the congressman could
stop helping to block their pay. Essential workers have to show up for work during the government shutdown, but they are not paid until the government re-opens.
Apparently DesJarlais doesn't know that, because in reply to these comments, he posted on October 4th:
Capitol Police are essential workers and are receiving their pay during the shutdown.
There's proof, if you need any, that the very people responsible for the shutdown
literally do not know what they are doing! The Tea Party at its finest.