WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott, Joe Manchin, Mike Braun, John Barrasso, Richard Burr, Shelley Moore Capito, Joni Ernst, Maggie Hassan and Kyrsten Sinema reintroduced their No Budget, No Pay legislation. The common-sense No Budget, No Pay bill requires members of Congress to do their job and work together to pass a budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done.

Senator Rick Scott said, “There is no reason members of Congress should be held to a different standard than any other American family or business. In the real world, if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. Our No Budget, No Pay bill simply requires Congress to pass an annual budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their taxpayer-funded salaries until the job is done. Accountability shouldn’t be controversial.”

Senator Joe Manchin said, “Now more than ever, Congress must return to regular order and commit to solving the serious problems facing our nation. That includes passing a budget and avoiding unnecessary government shutdowns that impact federal workers paychecks, but don’t affect Members of Congress’ paychecks. If any other business or place of work failed to make a budget, they would face serious consequences. Why should Congress be any different? I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in reintroducing this legislation which would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving pay if they fail to pass a budget resolution and the 12 annual appropriations bills before the start of the fiscal year. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this commonsense legislation and be the leaders the American people deserve.” 

Senator Mike Braun said, “Every business and family makes a budget, but Congress doesn’t. If your representatives refuse to do a basic part of their job like passing a budget resolution and appropriations bills in time, we shouldn’t get paid. That’s why I’m reintroducing the No Budget, No Pay Act, to hold D.C. accountable for the budget dysfunction that’s put us on a collision course with fiscal disaster.”

Senator Maggie Hassan said, “If Congress can’t do our work and pass a budget, we shouldn’t get paid – it’s that simple. As New Hampshire Governor, I worked across party lines to pass fiscally responsible budgets, and we have a responsibility to get the job done in Congress too.” 

Senator Joni Ernst said, “In Iowa—and in most places across the country—if folks don’t do their job, they don’t get paid. Part of Congress’ job every year is to pass a budget on time, but despite being nearly $30 trillion in debt, it almost never happens. This bipartisan bill will help hold Congress accountable and make sure Washington politicians actually do their jobs.”

Senator Shelley Moore Capito said, “Families and small businesses across West Virginia have to balance their budgets, and Congress shouldn’t be any different. I am proud to be on the committee that writes these appropriations bills and it is our goal and intent to get them done, under regular order, every year.”

Senator John Barrasso said, “Until a responsible budget is passed, Congress and the Biden administration will continue to spend money we don’t have. The bipartisan No Budget, No Pay Act will stop lawmakers in Washington from getting paid if a budget is not passed. This will give Congress additional incentive to follow Wyoming’s lead and pass a budget that cuts wasteful spending and gives certainty to job creators.”

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