Patch recently asked our readers whether paychecks for Congress should be withheld until sequestration is ironed out and a budget deal is reached. The $1.2 trillion in spending cuts threaten to destabilize the Northern Virginia economy, and the Commonwealth could stand to lose 200,000 jobs. 

Here's some of what Northern Virginia's Patch readers had to say about the subject: 

"This artificial crisis was created by politicians as a deadline for them to come to an agreement on a budget," wrote reader David Crookston. "...Not a lot of incentive for the politicians to follow through on their plan. The penalties of sequestration should affect them, not just the federal workers and contractors."

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From John Whitten: "I agree. Politicians should learn what its like to LOSE their cushy pensions and paychecks and live month to month like the people they (supposedly) serve."

From Leslie Ackerman: "Totally in agreement... as long as you also stop paying the President and all his bullies, plus stop Mrs Obama going all over the place showing off. Mr Obama is the leader, he can meet more and play golf less. Congresses don't go into history as good or bad... Presidents do."

So, what do you think, Fairfax Station and Clifton? Tell us in the comments section below.