(Washington, DC) – Congressman Larry Bucshon released the following statement regarding the “No Budget, No Pay†proposal that the House will consider this week.
Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08) stated:
“Under Harry Reid’s leadership, the Senate has failed to pass a budget over the last four years, although it has been required by law since 1974. The President has also announced that his budget will not meet the February 4th deadline. The Senate and President’s failure to act has led to four years of $1 trillion plus deficits. We can no longer continue down this unsustainable path of record deficits and reckless spending.
“The time for political football is over. The House has acted within the law and passed responsible budgets and will do so again this year. We expect the Senate to do the same.
“My colleagues in the House and I are calling on Congress to take action. If a budget is not passed, Congress will not get paid. Our message is simple: No Budget, No pay.
“Hardworking families should not be asked to send more money to Washington, D.C. to pay for increased government and irresponsible spending.â€
BACKGROUND:
The House proposal will temporarily increase the debt ceiling for three months to allow Congress time to pass a budget. If Congress fails to pass a budget, Members will not be paid.
The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires that a budget resolution be passed no later than April 15th.
The United States Senate has not passed a budget in over 1,360 days, all under President Obama.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, 2012 marked the fourth consecutive year with more than a $1 trillion deficit.