WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) has signed onto a bill by Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN-05) that would deny congressional pay if Congress fails to pass its budgeted appropriations bills on time. “The No Budget, No Pay Act” would prohibit members from receiving pay after missing deadlines for budget and appropriations bills, and it would not allow for that pay to be recouped retroactively. Corresponding legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Dean Heller (R-NV).

Today marks the 1,000^th day – almost three years – since the Senate has passed a budget. 

“Any family or business owner in my district will tell you that the first step to financial success is creating a budget – the same holds true to running the federal government. It is simply impossible to get our nation’s unsustainable spending under control without a long-term plan in place,” said Representative DesJarlais. “As the first member of the Tennessee delegation to sign onto this bipartisan legislation, I look forward to working with Rep. Cooper to further this commonsense proposal and I applaud him for introducing a bill that puts people before politicians.”

"Because America's credit rating is threatened, Congress cannot afford to be late paying its bills," said Rep. Cooper. "Threatening to stop paying Congress is the surest way to make sure we beat the annual Oct. 1 deadline. Congress must get its work done, or get no paycheck."

"Year after year, Congress has failed to meet its basic budgeting responsibilities. If Nevadans don't complete the tasks their jobs require, then they don't get paid. Congress should be no different. If Congress does not do its job, then Congress should not get paid," Senator Heller said. "I'm pleased to join Rep. Cooper and No Labels in this bipartisan effort to break political gridlock in Washington."

Read the bill here and some frequently asked questions here.