Press Releases

Today, during a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol, Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act. The legislation would hold Members of Congress financially accountable if Congress does not agree to a budget resolution or pass regular appropriations bills on a timely basis. 

Congressman Nickel introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act with original cosponsors Reps. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Lou Correa (CA-46), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and David Trone (MD-06).

The No Budget, No Pay Act would withhold Member pay if both Houses don't agree to a concurrent budget resolution by April 15 for the fiscal year starting October 1, or if both Houses haven't passed all the regular appropriation bills by September 30 for the fiscal year starting October 1. Historically, Members have continued to receive their paychecks during a government shutdown, even while thousands of federal workers across the country have not.

“Members of Congress shouldn’t get paid if they don't do their job,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel. “It’s our job to fund the government. Federal employees won’t get paid if we have a government shutdown, so why should members of Congress continue to get their paychecks?  This bill will incentivize Congress to get it done and prevent future shutdowns.”

"At the heart of our responsibilities as representatives is the duty to manage our nation's finances diligently,” said Congressman Shri Thanedar. “If we cannot come together to pass a budget and appropriations bills, it's only right that we feel the direct consequences in our paychecks. We must hold ourselves accountable to the same standards we set for our constituents."

“The Freedom Caucus loves to waste time trying to defund Ukraine, FEMA, and the DOJ,” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz. ”As long as they keep this up, we should defund their paychecks.”

"For months, Republicans in power have fumbled the ball on Congress' most basic function: fund its government. If Congress can't do its job, we shouldn't get paid. It's just that simple," said Congressman David Trone. “In Maryland, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be impacted by a shutdown, and the onus is on us to deliver results. I encourage the Republican Majority to get its act together so we can fund our government and help Americans put food on their families' table."

Photos and video from Congressman Nickel’s press conference announcing the No Budget, No Pay Act can be found HERE.