Wittman Introduces “Inaction Has Consequences Act”
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced another piece of legislation in his effort to ensure Congressional accountability. The Inaction Has Consequences Act says simply that if Members of Congress do not complete appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal year, they will not receive a paycheck.
“Shutdowns like the one we just had are absolutely avoidable,” Wittman said. “The recent partial shutdown means that now, more than ever, it is absolutely critical that Congress get back to passing a budget and appropriations bills on time. If Members of Congress cannot get their most basic responsibility of funding our government done, we must be held accountable. There are serious consequences to this crisis budgeting. Even when Congress manages to avoid a shutdown and pass stop-gap continuing resolutions (CRs), the American people suffer. Under a CR, all spending remains the same; our military and federal agencies can’t fund new programs, cut outdated ones, or plan for the future.”
“This bill, in conjunction with my other legislation – the No Budget No Pay Act and the Stay on Schedule Resolution – will put the proper accountability measures in place to ensure Congress gets its primary job done on time,” Wittman said. “It’s time to stop preaching accountability and finally pass measures, like mine, that will hold Members to a higher standard and complete the work of the people. Americans are tired of inaction being the new normal in Washington.”
Congressman Wittman will continue his effort to reform how Congress works and end business as usual in Washington. For years Congressman Wittman has introduced the No Budget No Pay Act that says if Congress doesn’t pass a budget on time Members don’t get a paycheck, and the Stay on Schedule Resolution that says if Congress doesn’t pass all appropriations bills by July 31, the House should stay in session and continue its work instead of adjourning for August recess. He believes that we must work for a permanent solution that will provide a path to fiscal certainty for our federal agencies.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
