On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga) voted in favor of the Republican-sponsored “No Budget No Pay” legislation, which suspends the debt limit until May 18 in exchange for a FY 2014 budget resolution from the Senate, to be delivered by April 15. If budget is not passed, the Senators would not receive their paychecks.
H.R. 325 passed 285 to 144 on Wednesday and moved to the Senate where it is expected to pass. 33 Republicans voted against it along with 111 Democrats.
The legislation requires both chambers of Congress to pass a budget every year by October 1. If the requirement is not met, the lawmakers would have their pay withheld until a budget is passed. However, all pay would be distributed at the end of Congress, whether the budget was passed or not.
“It’s about time we held Senate Democrats’ feet to the fire,” said Westmoreland in a statement. “American families don’t have a $16 trillion credit card like the federal government, and they know that in order to live within their means, they must set an annual budget. That budget helps to keep down their spending and keep them on track to end the year debt free.
“Unfortunately, Senate Democrats have refused to pass a budget in almost four years. It’s no wonder our country’s finances are such a mess. H.R. 325 will force Senate Democrats to finally do their job and pass a budget – or lose their paycheck.”
Westmoreland represents Georgia’s 3rd congressional district.
Click here to read Rep. Westmoreland’s full statement on H.R. 325.
Comments