Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott's No Budget No Pay Act has been included in the National Taxpayers Union's (NTU) annual "No-Brainers" list. This list comprises ten pieces of legislation that have received bipartisan support and are widely endorsed. The No Budget No Pay Act, introduced by Senator Scott, aims to hold Members of Congress accountable by mandating that they pass the annual budget resolutions and appropriations bills on time, or risk losing their taxpayer-funded salaries.

In expressing his motivation behind the legislation, Senator Scott emphasizes the dire financial situation of the nation, with a debt exceeding $31 trillion. He criticizes Washington for neglecting its responsibility of passing a balanced budget that prioritizes the needs of American families. Senator Scott highlights the importance of restoring fiscal sanity to Washington and holding Congress accountable to one of its fundamental duties: passing a budget. He asserts that members of Congress should not be exempt from the consequences faced by any other American family or business if they fail to perform their job. The No Budget No Pay bill simply requires Congress to pass an annual budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forfeit their taxpayer-funded salaries until the task is completed.

Joining Senator Scott in introducing this legislation are Senators Mike Braun, Jacky Rosen, Joe Manchin, Maggie Hassan, Shelley Moore Capito, Marsha Blackburn, and Katie Britt. Their collective effort demonstrates the bipartisan support for the No Budget No Pay Act and signifies the recognition that Congress must be held to the same standards as the American people.

The National Taxpayers Union's Senior Policy and Government Affairs Manager, Nick Johns, commends the bipartisan nature of the legislation featured in this year's "No-Brainers" list. He acknowledges that despite the apparent ideological divisions in Congress, members from both parties can find common ground on issues that directly impact taxpayers. Johns emphasizes that prioritizing bills like the No Budget No Pay Act can significantly improve taxpayers' perception of the government's functionality and restore faith in the governing institutions. The NTU selects legislation for its "No-Brainers" list based on three criteria: bipartisan support, common-sense solutions to address taxpayers' real problems, and exclusion from previous years' lists.

Senator Rick Scott's No Budget No Pay Act has gained recognition for its common-sense approach to holding Congress accountable for passing budgets and appropriations bills on time. With bipartisan support and acknowledgment from the National Taxpayers Union, this legislation stands as a crucial step towards bringing fiscal responsibility back to Washington.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-rick-scott-s-no-budget-no-pay-act-makes-national-taxpayers-union-list-of-no-brainer-legislation-congress-should-pass