I am appalled at the mess into which members of Congress have led this nation. Every senator and representative should be forced to give up their paycheck and benefits for as long at the mess exists.

Some innocent people will suffer but, right now, more innocent people are in deep trouble.

I applaud Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King for giving up their pay.

Perhaps it is time to shake up our representatives and senators in Washington, D.C.; put them on the same pay scale as the common folks they represent. (That should be passed into law.)

Jean Hersey, Auburn