Us Congress House Bill HB5653

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/21/23
• Refer: 9/21/23

Caption

No Budget, No Pay Act

Impact

The bill aims to enhance fiscal responsibility within Congress by imposing a direct financial consequence on lawmakers for legislative inaction regarding budgetary matters. Proponents argue that this measure will incentivize timely agreement on the federal budget and appropriations, potentially reducing government shutdowns and ensuring smoother financial operations. Its effectiveness may hinge on whether the threat of losing compensation will encourage Congress to prioritize budget discussions.

Summary

House Bill 5653, known as the 'No Budget, No Pay Act', introduces a proposal that prohibits compensation for Members of Congress if they fail to approve a concurrent resolution on the budget or pass the necessary appropriations bills by designated deadlines. The bill specifies two critical dates: April 15 for the budget resolution and September 30 for the appropriations bills. If these deadlines are not met, Members will not receive their compensation for the specified periods, which would commence from the day after each deadline until the appropriate legislative actions are completed.

Contention

However, the bill's approach has raised concerns regarding its effectiveness and fairness. Critics point out that withholding pay might disproportionately affect less affluent members of Congress who may rely heavily on their salaries. Moreover, there are debates regarding the practicality of enforcing such a policy, particularly considering the complex nature of budget negotiations and the potential for unforeseen delays caused by broader political disagreements. There are also concerns that members may be less inclined to make necessary but contentious budgetary decisions if their compensation is at risk, impacting overall governance.

Notable_points

Overall, House Bill 5653 raises significant questions about accountability in government operations and the ethical implications of tying congressional pay to performance on budget resolutions. The bill appears to attract bipartisan interest, but the long-term implications for legislative productivity and member welfare remain to be seen.