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WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney voted Wednesday to pass a three month extension of the debt ceiling in a bill that also pressures lawmakers to adopt a budget or have their pay withheld.
The bill, known as the No Budget No Pay Act of 2013, directs both the House and the Senate to adopt a budget resolution for fiscal year 2014 by April 15, 2013. If either body fails to pass a budget, members of that body would have their paychecks put into an escrow account starting on April 16 until that body adopts a budget.
The measure passed the House by a vote of 285-144. The legislation now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass.
“No Budget, No Pay is a common-sense idea,” Maloney said. “Members of Congress do not get paid until they do their job and pass a budget. Congress should live by the same rules folks across the Hudson Valley live by: if you don’t do your job, you don't get paid.”
Maloney’s 18th Congressional District includes the Westchester towns of Somers, North Salem, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, Bedford and parts of North Castle, New Castle and Yorktown.
Comments (2)
All for show. It states that the money is put in escrow until a budget is adopted. Big deal! During the time until the budget is adopted, their pay should be forfeit as should their health insurance coverage, gym memberships and any other perk they are afforded.
Great idea, but it is unconstitutional. Congress cannot pass any laws affecting their own compensation- only for compensation of future Congresses. Read the 27th Amendment. I also understand it only withholds their pay until their term is over.