U.S. Rep Robert J. Wittman Working for Virginia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep Robert J. Wittman Working for Virginia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, Congressman Rob Wittman from Virginia's 1st District re-introduced three legislative proposals aimed at enhancing government accountability and transparency in the budget and funding process.
"Time and again, Congress has failed to fulfill its most fundamental responsibility: passing a budget and funding the government on time – this wholly unacceptable," stated Congressman Wittman. He highlighted a recent funding crisis that occurred last December as an example of Congress prioritizing recess over essential duties. "Since my first day in office, I’ve been committed to restoring transparency and accountability in Washington. These bills are a crucial step in that direction. By returning to regular order — where we read, debate, and vote on spending bills through the committee process — we can eliminate wasteful spending, streamline duplicative programs, and address the growing burden of our national debt."
The proposed legislation includes:
- The No Budget, No Pay Act: This bill proposes withholding member pay if a budget is not passed by April 15, serving as an enforcement tool for congressional accountability.
- The Stay on Schedule Resolution: It mandates that the House remain in session through August if all government funding bills are not passed by the end of July.
- The Inaction Has Consequences Act: It would withhold member pay if all 12 government funding bills are not completed by the end of the fiscal year.
Congressman Wittman has long advocated for fiscal responsibility and urged the Speaker of the House to cancel August recess if Congress does not finish its work on time. He has written op-eds on this issue for publications like Richmond Times-Dispatch and Virginian-Pilot.