S.88 - No Budget, No Pay Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "No Budget, No Pay Act" (S.88) aims to ensure timely congressional approval of a concurrent budget resolution and regular appropriations bills. It stipulates that Members of Congress will not receive pay after October 1st of any fiscal year if these budgetary actions are not completed. The bill defines key terms such as "Budget and Appropriations Chairs" and "Member of Congress" and outlines the process for determining compliance.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely incentivize Congress to adhere to budgetary deadlines. Members of Congress would face a direct financial consequence for failing to pass a budget resolution and appropriations bills by the specified date. This could lead to more timely budget approvals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Fiscal Responsibility: Could encourage more responsible and timely budget practices in Congress.
- Reduced Government Shutdown Risk: By incentivizing timely budget approval, the bill could reduce the likelihood of government shutdowns.
- Enhanced Accountability: Holds members of Congress accountable for fulfilling their budgetary responsibilities.
- Potential for Improved Public Trust: Timely budget approvals could improve public trust in government's ability to manage finances.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Rushed Decisions: Could lead to rushed or poorly considered budget decisions to meet the deadline.
- Risk of Political Gridlock: May exacerbate political gridlock if parties are unwilling to compromise, leading to delayed budgets and unpaid members.
- Unintended Consequences: Could create unintended consequences if members prioritize their pay over thorough legislative review.
- Disproportionate Impact: May disproportionately affect members with fewer personal financial resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is generally sound, as Article I, Section 6, Clause 1 addresses congressional compensation. However, some might argue that withholding pay could impinge upon the ability of Congress to function, potentially violating the separation of powers. The bill does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provisions related to individual rights or federalism.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).