Heller Statement on Senate Budget Proposals

Statement

U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the budget proposals considered on the Senate floor:

"I introduced "No Budget, No Pay' because I believe that a long-term budget is essential to our nation's fiscal health. While I was pleased a version of this legislation was signed into law, it's unfortunate that both Republicans and Democrats have failed to come together and agree on a proposal that could actually pass both chambers of Congress.

"Rather than voting on budgets that are doomed to fail, both Democrats and Republicans must find common ground so a long-term budget can actually be signed into law. While I do not agree with every aspect of Simpson-Bowles, this bipartisan proposal provides a good starting point for a plan that can pass both the House and the Senate. Congress should move immediately to allow for a full debate and open amendment process on the Simpson-Bowles plan," said Senator Dean Heller.

This year, the Senate Majority introduced a budget for the first time in four years. Senator Heller has been actively pushing Congress to do its job and pass a budget every year, which is why he introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act in July 2011. This bill requires Congress to pass a concurrent budget resolution and appropriations bills on time each fiscal year in order to get paid. Congress passed a version of "No Budget, No Pay" in January that withholds pay from Members of Congress if they don't pass a budget this year.

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