Two Florida Republican congressmen, Tom Rooney and Vern Buchanan, said on Wednesday that they intended to co-sponsor a proposal from a Tennessee Democrat that would cut off congressional pay if the federal government reached a default.
U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., said Tuesday that he will introduce a measure that will end congressional salaries -- and ensure that they would not be paid retroactively -- if the current stalemate in Washington over raising the federal debt ceiling was not ended by Aug. 2.
Failure is not an option, said Cooper. But, if default occurs, another paycheck for congressmen and senators should not be an option either.
Debt and deficits are a bipartisan problem, requiring a bipartisan solution. I am doing everything possible to get Congress to act responsibly by paying its bills on time, reducing the growth of future spending, keeping our interest rates low and strengthening our weak economy, added Cooper. Time is running out.
The Tennessee Democrat sent a letter to his congressional colleagues urging them to back his proposed legislation.
Leaders in both parties agree: Defaulting on our nations bills will have dire consequences. From popular programs like Social Security and Medicare to defense, veterans services and schools, every single American will be affected. Were dangerously close to the precipice. Failure is not an option, insisted Cooper in the letter. If default occurs, another paycheck for members of Congress should not be an option either. Members of Congress should not be getting paid while veterans, seniors, and those with disabilities arent receiving benefits.
That is why I have introduced the Stop Pay for Members Act.According to a Bipartisan Policy Center analysis, if we should default, the Treasury department would have to choose which of the approximately 80 million in payments need to be made with the limited revenue available, continued Cooper. The 'Stop Pay Act' would place members of the House and Senate dead last on the list, ensuring members would not get paid if we should default.
Rooney said on Wednesday that he will co-sponsor Coopers proposal.
I remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement that will prevent a default, cut spending significantly and implement serious reforms to ensure that we dont face a debt crisis like this in the future, said Rooney. Congress needs to do its job, but if Aug. 3 rolls around and theres still no deal, then we absolutely should not get paid.
Buchanan also announced that he will co-sponsor Coopers bill.
Members of Congress should not be rewarded for failing to fulfill their basic responsibilities, said Buchanan.Congress and the president need to put aside partisanship and do whats in the best interest of the country.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
