This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to withhold Congressional pay for any fiscal year in which Congress has not agreed to a budget resolution before the start of that year.
Brian Fitzpatrick
Representative
PA-1
This proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a fiscal year if they fail to pass a concurrent budget resolution before the start of that fiscal year. This requirement would apply to fiscal years beginning after the amendment's ratification.
No Budget, No Paycheck? Proposed Amendment Withholds Congressional Salaries if Budget Not Passed on Time
This proposed Constitutional amendment aims to light a fire under Congress to get the federal budget done on time. The core idea? If Congress doesn't agree on a budget resolution before the start of the fiscal year (October 1st), members don't get paid. No ifs, ands, or buts – no budget, no paycheck.
Paychecks on the Line
The amendment is pretty straightforward: it ties Congressional salaries directly to passing a budget resolution. Both the House and Senate have to agree on the exact same budget resolution before the fiscal year kicks off. If they don't, the paychecks stop for all members until they do. This applies to all future fiscal years once (and if) the amendment is ratified.
Real-World Ripple Effects
Imagine a small business owner who relies on government contracts. A delayed budget, or worse, a government shutdown, can throw their whole operation into chaos. This amendment is designed to avoid that kind of disruption. For federal employees, it means a bit more certainty about their jobs and paychecks, instead of the constant threat of shutdowns looming. Even for the average taxpayer, a smoother budget process could mean less wasted money and more efficient government services. For example, if consistent funding is allocated to the IRS, it can reduce the backlogs many taxpayers face.
The Devil's in the Details (and the Deadlines)
While the goal is noble, there are some potential snags. What exactly counts as an "identical budget resolution"? Could there be loopholes or disagreements on interpretation? There's also the risk that Congress might rush through a bare-bones budget just to meet the deadline, skipping over crucial details and long-term planning. Think of it like cramming for a test – you might pass, but did you really learn anything? Plus, let's be real: not all members of Congress are wealthy. Withholding pay for an extended period could hit some harder than others, potentially creating an uneven playing field.
The Big Picture
This amendment is trying to fix a real problem – the chronic delays and political brinkmanship that surround the budget process. It's a bit like saying, "If you don't do your job, you don't get paid," which is how it works for most of us. It directly connects with existing issues of government shutdowns and continuing resolutions. By adding a direct financial consequence for Congress, the amendment aims for more accountability. But, like any big change, it comes with potential downsides that need a close look. The risk of rushed, superficial budgets is a real concern that needs to be addressed to make sure this amendment actually improves things, rather than just creating new problems.