WASHINGTON — Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01) today introduced a bipartisan bill. The No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act would require Members of Congress to work without pay if a federal government shutdown occurs or the public debt limit is reached.
“The federal workers I represent know firsthand the disruptions and uncertainty that come when lawmakers fail to govern responsibly. Hardworking Americans understand that if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid — and Congress should be no different,” said Vindman. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Fitzpatrick on this bipartisan, commonsense bill that would encourage real cooperation, prevent last-minute crises, and ensure that lawmakers are putting the American people first.”
“Leadership requires accountability. If Congress fails to fulfill its most basic duty — keeping the government running — then lawmakers shouldn’t collect a paycheck. Such fiscal incompetence would not be allowed in any workplace in America. We should not be rewarding the same behavior in the United States Congress. Our bipartisan bill is simple: no budget, no pay. It’s time to restore trust, responsibility, and integrity in Washington,” said Fitzpatrick.
Specifically, the No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act would require that if the federal government reaches its debt limit or experiences a funding lapse, congressional salaries will be withheld for the duration of the impasse. Under this legislation, congressional payroll administrators would be required to withhold lawmakers’ pay for each day the debt ceiling remains unresolved following a default or for each day following the start of a government shutdown.
Click here for bill text.
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