Lower Bucks Today

Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick and Eugene Vindman have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring accountability among lawmakers during government shutdowns or defaults. The proposed legislation, titled the No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act, seeks to withhold salaries from members of Congress if they fail to keep the government operational.

Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for accountability in leadership, stating, "Leadership requires accountability. If Congress fails to fulfill its most basic duty — keeping the government running — then lawmakers shouldn’t collect a paycheck." He further added that such fiscal incompetence would not be tolerated in any other workplace in America and should not be rewarded in Congress.

Vindman echoed these sentiments by highlighting the impact on federal workers and Americans when governance is lacking. "The federal workers I represent know firsthand the disruptions and uncertainty that come when lawmakers fail to govern responsibly," he said. Vindman expressed pride in collaborating with Fitzpatrick on this bipartisan initiative, which aims to foster cooperation and prioritize American citizens.

The act stipulates that congressional salaries will be automatically withheld if there is a failure to address the debt ceiling or prevent a funding lapse leading to a shutdown. The legislation ensures no exceptions, delays, or back pay are permitted once a shutdown or default occurs. Congressional payroll administrators would be legally obligated to freeze paychecks immediately upon such events.