Daines, Messer Introduce Balanced Budget Accountability Act

Press Release

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Representative Luke Messer (R-IN) today introduced the Balanced Budget Accountability Act to require that Congress passes a balanced budget -- or members won't get paid.

The Balanced Budget Accountability Act strengthens accountability in Washington. It encourages members of Congress to commit to the annual budget process as required by law and pass budgets that balance within ten years.

If a balanced budget is not passed by April 15--the legal requirement for Congress to have passed a budget--members will see their pay terminated.

"The American people deserve a balanced budget. Unfortunately, Washington remains unwilling to take the steps needed to get our country back on solid fiscal ground," Daines stated. "The Balanced Budget Accountability Act reflects core principles that work: common sense business principles that protect hardworking taxpayers and making elected officials accountable for delivering results to the people they serve."

"It is past time for the federal government do what families all across this country do every day: live within our means and balance our budget," said Rep. Messer, Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee. "This bill requiring a balanced budget or no pay for members will help do that. I encourage my colleagues to sign on to this legislation and hold ourselves accountable to the people who sent us to Washington. Let's work together to put our country back on the path to a healthy economy that creates more jobs and opportunity for all Americans."

Daines' and Messer's bill builds upon comparable legislation introduced last Congress by Daines. In addition to implementing a "no balanced budget, no pay" principle, the Balanced Budget Accountability Act also establishes additional spending requirements and restrictions on tax increases.

The Balanced Budget Accountability Act is cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), as well as Representatives Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

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