Press Releases

Today, the No Budget, No Pay Act secured bipartisan support with Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) signing on as Republican co-lead. 

The No Budget, No Pay Act, introduced by Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13), 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.

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.

Nickel and D’Esposito are members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, an independent member-driven group in Congress composed of representatives from across the country – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – committed to finding common ground on many of the key issues facing the nation. 

“If we have a federal government shutdown, our federal workforce won’t get paid.  But you know who will?  You guessed it.  Members of Congress. That’s just wrong,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel. “And that’s why we introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act. This bill has a simple idea; Members of Congress shouldn’t get paid if they don't do their job. I’m proud to have Congressman D’Esposito join this effort.”

“If members of Congress won’t take the necessary steps to fund the government, then the American people shouldn’t be forced to fund their paychecks,” said Congressman Anthony D’Esposito. “The No Budget, No Pay Act is a simple solution that makes sure Congress is held accountable for funding the people’s government. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Nickel in advancing this common sense legislation.”

Video remarks from Congressman Nickel and Congressman D’Esposito can be found HERE.