Pair of Senators Wants Congress to Pay For Its Budget Failures

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Image Not Available

Last week we pointed out that Congress’ pay is immune to the budget cuts they’ve inflicted upon much of the nation. Well, here’s a political breath of fresh air: two senators agree that’s absurd.

Bill Nelson and Claire McCaskill plan to introduce a bill called the Congressional Overspending Pay Accountability Act, which would cut Congress’ pay by either 20 percent or an amount equal to the highest percentage cut from a federal worker’s pay. Here’s what Nelson said…

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. You’re going to dock all of these civilian employees who have lives, who have children, who have expenses, who have families. You’re going to dock them their pay because of the inability of Congress to do what should have been done a year and a half ago.

McCaskill called this “an obvious step to hold Congress accountable.” If it passes, the bill would take effect at the same time worker furloughs would – mid-April.

Is it likely to pass? Don’t hold your breath. But at least some of them realize they deserve it.

Even if it does pass, it would likely start a legal battle because the new law would run up against the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which is the reason Congress’ pay wasn’t cut to begin with.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.