New bill: No pay for Congress if U.S. defaults.

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Withhold Congress Members’ Salaries During Debt Ceiling Breach or Federal Financing Suspension

Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) have introduced the No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to block all congressional members from receiving their salaries during a government shutdown or debt ceiling breach. The bill comes amid rising concerns that the divided Congress may not be able to increase the debt ceiling by the Treasury Department’s deadline on June 1st, risking a default on American debt.

The Current Situation

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the United States will not be able to pay its bills when June comes. Republicans have demanded that the White House and Democrats commit to spending cuts before raising the debt ceiling. The White House has previously insisted on Congress passing what they referred to as a “clean” debt ceiling that would increase the debt limit without any conditions. In April, a bill sponsored by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested raising the nation’s debt ceiling to tackle spending reductions, as well as making a number of changes to GOP policies.

The Bill’s Intent

Spanberger pointed out that the bill’s intent was obvious. If the United States recklessly fails on our country’s debt limit, then politicians should not get paid. “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,” Fitzpatrick said.

What the Bill Would Do

The bill would not outright ban lawmakers from receiving compensation, which would violate the 27th Amendment. Instead, it would inhibit employees from receiving their salaries during a shutdown or default, at least until the session is over. If either a default or a shutdown persists, congressional payroll administrators, such as the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) in the U.S. House, would release withheld payments at the end of the 118th Congress.

It’s time for Congress to fulfill its basic obligations tied to the strength and security of our country. If they can’t, they should not be rewarded with our salaries until they do their jobs.

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