Lower Bucks Today

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) 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.

“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 Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan legislation is a no-brainer — lawmakers should not be paid if we irresponsibly default on our nation’s debt.”

“An economic default would be catastrophic for the Virginia communities I represent — and the Virginians I serve are well aware of the detrimental impacts of government shutdowns. 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,” said Congresswoman Spanberger. “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 HERE. 

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Original source can be found here.