U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1), of Bucks County, and U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-7), of Virginia, have introduced a bipartisan bill that would block Members of Congress from receiving their pay during any default or government shutdown.
The No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act would block the pay of Members of Congress if the public debt limit is reached or a federal government shutdown occurs.
Thus far, President Biden and Congressional Republicans have reached a stalemate over the national debt ceiling. Failing to reach an agreement could force a government shutdown as early as June 1.
“Members of Congress promise to fight for their constituents in Washington, and should not be paid a taxpayer-funded salary if they cannot deliver on that promise,” said Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan legislation is a no-brainer — lawmakers should not be paid if we irresponsibly default on our nation’s debt.”
Said Spanberger, “... If Congress can’t fulfill basic obligations tied to the strength and security of our country, lawmakers should not be rewarded with our salaries until we do our jobs.
“Working Americans get it — if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. I want to thank my colleague Congressman Fitzpatrick for his partnership on this commonsense legislation — a bipartisan bill that would not only incentivize cooperation during moments of looming default, but also pressure elected officials to keep the doors of our government open, the livelihoods of our federal employees protected, and the American people secure.”
Read the full text of the bill at: https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/spanberger.house.gov/uploads/2023/05/NoPayDefaultShutdown.pdf
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