U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer said Tuesday that federal employees deserve better than the political point-making that resulted in the shutdown of the government Tuesday.

Kilmer released the following statement following the impasse. On Monday, he promised to give up his pay for the duration of a government shutdown.

“The fact that some in Congress would risk a shutdown in order to score political points demonstrates why Congress is currently held in lower regard than head lice,” said Kilmer, a 6th District Democrat from Gig Harbor. “I’m voluntarily giving up my own pay during this shutdown because I believe in leading by example. Unfortunately, many federal employees in our region unfortunately won’t have a say about losing theirs. They’ll be furloughed and lose pay through no fault of their own. These employees and the folks who depend on their work deserve better.”

According to Kilmer’s office, a government shutdown will cause roughly half of the government’s civilian workforce — approximately 1.2 million employees — to face furloughs.

National parks will also close, veterans’ disability payments may be disrupted, and there will be a suspension of approval of applications for Small Business Loans.

It is estimated that a government shutdown will cost taxpayers $150 million a day.