WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to restrict Congressional pay if the House and Senate fail to pass a budget. Although the 27^th amendment prohibits a sitting Congress from changing its pay while it is in session, this bill adheres to the Constitution by placing Congressional salaries in an escrow account until a budget is passed.

The House approved the “No Budget, No Pay” bill by a bipartisan vote of 285-144. Congresswoman Jenkins released the following statement  after the vote:

“Most Kansans agree if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. This should also apply to Congress, myself included. Opposing a vote to put your pay on the line if you fail to do your job is indefensible. The futures of our children and grandchildren are at stake, and America can no longer afford to punt on our debt crisis.

“For four years, the president and Senate has failed on the most basic principle of governing—producing a responsible budget. Instead, they raised taxes and increased the U.S. debt at the fastest pace in our nation’s history. These are hardworking Americans’ tax dollars we are talking about, and it is time to say enough.

“The House has done its part the last two years, but without the Senate we cannot finish the job. If American families can take the time to sit down and budget for their futures, so can Congress.”

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