U.S. Representative John Boehner
A Simple Principle: No Budget, No Pay 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the following column discussing legislation that will require both the House and Senate to pass a budget, and withhold member pay if they fail: 

“When I and my Republican colleagues were entrusted with the majority in the House of Representatives in 2010, we committed ourselves to addressing our nation's debt problem and re-establishing trust between the American people and their elected leaders.  

“Always mindful of those goals, we've passed a budget for the country every year that would lower the deficit and cut spending to begin solving the debt problem that is hurting our economy and threatening our children's future. 

“This year we will again pass a budget for the nation that meets these goals.  And this time, it is essential that the Democratic-controlled Senate pass a budget this year as well -- something it hasn't done in nearly four years. 

“As Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), currently the House Minority Whip, correctly declared in 2006, passing a budget for the country is the most basic responsibility of governing. 

“The 1974 Congressional Budget Act requires passage of a budget resolution by April 15 each year.  Under Democrats' control, the Senate has refused to pass a budget for 1,360 days. At a time when uncontrolled spending is dragging down our economy, such a record of inaction is unconscionable. 

“As we look to 2013, the American people continue to demand that Washington get serious about fiscal responsibility.  Both parties and both chambers of Congress must heed this call by passing a budget.  If they don't, they shouldn't be paid. 

“It's a simple principle: no budget, no pay. 

“President Obama is again demanding an increase in the nation's debt ceiling, and refusing to discuss the possibility of enacting spending cuts along with it to lower our debt. 

“The president is right that we cannot allow our nation to default on its debts.  But he's totally wrong when he says the debt limit should be increased without reducing government spending at the same time. 

“A long-term increase in the debt limit that is not preceded by meaningful and responsible reductions in government spending might avert a national default, but it would also invite a downgrade of our nation’s credit that damages our economy, hurts families and small businesses, and destroys jobs. 

“With that in mind, House Republicans have united around the principle that before there is any long-term debt limit increase, a budget should be passed that cuts spending.  The House will adhere to this principle.  The Senate must as well. 

“The Democratic-controlled Senate has failed to pass a budget for four years.  That is a shameful run that needs to end, this year.