Congressman Reverses Stance on Accepting Salary During Shutdown After Backlash

Rep. Brandon Williams said on C-SPAN he would accept his $174,000 salary during a government shutdown, then reversed course hours later after backlash.

Williams justified taking his pay at first, saying lawmakers must "stay focused on the job" during a shutdown.

Critics noted Williams is a multi-millionaire who could forgo his salary, unlike federal workers who would go unpaid.

Facing criticism, Williams asked for his pay to be withheld during a potential shutdown in a statement on Twitter.

Williams later tried to downplay his reversal, joking he shouldn't do interviews before having coffee.