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FLORIDA - Florida Senator Rick Scott is calling for Congress to forgo salaries during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1st due to a budget impasse.
During a Fox News interview, Scott stated, “If you don’t show up and do your job, you don’t get paid,” emphasizing the need for lawmakers to be held accountable for timely budget approvals.
In January, Scott introduced the "No Budget, No Pay Act," also known as Bill S. 88, which proposes that members of Congress cannot receive pay until both chambers pass the budget resolution and all regular appropriations bills for the fiscal year.
The bill specifically prohibits retroactive pay for any period in which Congress does not meet these requirements.
Scott highlighted that the effort is intended to hold lawmakers accountable while addressing recurring government shutdowns, which can disrupt federal services and programs.
In addition, the "Eliminate Shutdowns Act," introduced by Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson in September, aims to prevent shutdowns by implementing automatic continuing resolutions to fund the government while Congress works on appropriations.
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Federal salary data indicates that most senators, representatives, delegates, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico earn $174,000 annually.
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, requiring lawmakers to allocate and approve federal spending, taxes, and appropriations.
While politicians continue debating responsibility, Floridians and other Americans are already experiencing the effects of the shutdown on government services, including healthcare programs and other essential federal operations.
The proposed legislation would directly tie congressional pay to timely budget and appropriations approval, making it contingent on lawmakers fulfilling their constitutional duties.