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A bipartisan bill introduced Thursday by Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, of Virginia, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, of Pennsylvania, would prevent members of the Congress receive their salaries if the United States defaults on its debts or if the government has to shut down agency functions due to lack of funding, if the rate has not been raised debt ceiling on time.
The Non-Payment Act for Congress During Default or Shutdown (“No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act”), would withhold payment from legislators for the duration of the debt ceiling breach or lapse in federal funds, in an attempt to motivate legislators to avoid a situation that could plunge the country into recession and get an agreement to raise the debt ceiling.
The Spanberger-Fitzpatrick bill would not permanently prevent lawmakers from being paid, which would conflict with Amendment 27. Instead, it proposes withholding payment for the duration of a shutdown or default, at least until the end of the current session of Congress.
The bill comes amid growing fears that the divided Congress will miss a June 1 deadline set by the Treasury Department to raise the debt limit or risk a catastrophic default on the obligations of the United States.
It is necessary to raise the debt ceiling for the government to cover the spending commitments already approved by Congress and the president and avoid payment defaults.
President Joe Biden is currently in a standoff with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who shas refused to increase the debt limit if Biden and lawmakers disagree on further spending cuts. McCarthy said he expects the House to vote on a debt limit bill as early as next week.
And the proposal presented by two politically vulnerable members in competitive districts, represents a movement that seeks to channel the anger of voters towards attitudes held by the most conservative lawmakers in Congress, an anger that can be strong in the bases of both parties.
“If Congress cannot meet basic obligations related to the strength and security of our country, lawmakers should not be rewarded with our salaries until we do our job.” Spandberger said.
“Members of Congress promise to fight for their constituents in Washington and should not be paid a taxpayer-funded salary if they cannot keep that promise.” said fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan legislation is obvious: lawmakers should not get paid if we irresponsibly fail to pay our nation’s debt.”
Keep reading:
– Kamala Harris warned that not raising the debt ceiling and defaulting on payments “could lead to a recession”
– Democrats ask Joe Biden to use his power to raise the debt ceiling without Congress
– McCarthy predicts a debt ceiling deal in the House next week