WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) re-introduced three pieces of legislation to hold members of Congress accountable and bring transparency back to the budget and funding process.
"Time and again, Congress has failed to fulfill its most fundamental responsibility: passing a budget and funding the government on time – this wholly unacceptable," said Congressman Wittman. "Last December, we witnessed yet another preventable funding crisis because Congress chose to adjourn for August recess rather than stay in Washington to pass the remaining government funding bills. Since my first day in office, I’ve been committed to restoring transparency and accountability in Washington. These bills are a crucial step in that direction. By returning to regular order — where we read, debate, and vote on spending bills through the committee process — we can eliminate wasteful spending, streamline duplicative programs, and address the growing burden of our national debt."
Rep. Wittman introduced the following bills:
- No Budget, No Pay Act: withholds Member pay if a budget isn’t passed by April 15. This bill would serve as an enforcement measure to hold members of Congress accountable for their actions.
- Stay on Schedule Resolution: would require the House to stay in session through August instead of taking a month-long recess – if all government funding bills are not passed by the end of July.
- Inaction Has Consequences Act: would withhold Member pay if all 12 government funding bills are not done by the end of the fiscal year.
As a longtime advocate for fiscal responsibility, Congressman Wittman has continued to call for the Speaker of the House to cancel August recess if Congress fails to complete its work on time. Read his op-eds on this topic below:
Richmond Times-Dispatch: August recess? Congress must stay until the work is done
Virginian-Pilot: Congress must stay on schedule or cancel August recess
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