Budget message from Congressman Mike Ross

Each and every year, Congress must pass a series of appropriations bills that fund the federal government for the fiscal year, which runs October 1st through September 30th. When Congress is unable to agree on a federal budget before October 1st, it must pass a short-term continuing resolution that keeps the government running until a budget is enacted. Congress has not adopted a budget in more than 950 days. And only 4 times over the past 36 years has Congress passed its appropriations bills on-time. In fact, the federal government’s fiscal year began October 1st, 2011 without a comprehensive budget.

By failing to pass a budget on-time, Congress is avoiding one of its most basic responsibilities while still being paid with taxpayers’ dollars—this is neither fair nor responsible. American families work hard for their paychecks, and so must Congress. The No Budget, No Pay Act will hold Congress more accountable to the American people because Members of Congress shouldn’t be getting paid if they fail to do their job.

I am proud to co-sponsor The No Budget, No Pay Act, H.R. 3643, which prevents the U.S. Treasury from paying the salary of any Member of Congress if Congress fails to pass a budget and all its appropriation bills by October 1st every year. It also bars Members of Congress from receiving retroactive pay.

Without this legislation, Members of Congress face no penalty if they fail to meet budget deadlines. Cutting congressional pay would help hold Members of Congress accountable for their fiscal recklessness. The short-term budgets Congress routinely adopts instead of comprehensive annual budgets continue the spending patterns of the past year, with little or no change. This irresponsible approach to budgeting contributes to runaway deficit spending.

The American people deserve a serious conversation on our budget and that is my goal as your Congressman. Politicians have a long history of talking the talk, but not walking the walk when it comes to the deficit and debt, but few have concrete ideas, the courage or the willpower to change the unsustainable fiscal path our country is heading down. A big problem with Washington today is that too many public officials have forgotten what life is like for most Americans. Some politicians get so wrapped up in keeping their job that they forget to do their job. As your Congressman, listening to you is an important part of my job and has always been my pledge to you.

Washington must continue to reform its ways and we must be more respectful of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. The No Budget, No Pay Act is a step in the right direction, but only a drop in the bucket compared to the fiscal challenges that lie ahead. I will continue to be a fighter for fiscal responsibility in Washington.

The American people know what it means to put in a hard day’s work, pull their own weight, and earn a living so they can provide for their families. Hard working Americans must live within their household budgets. And, it's time for Congress and the Federal Government to do the same.