Rep. Benishek and Rep. Bentivolio Introduce Common-Sense Bill to Hold Congress Fiscally Accountable

Press Release

Representative Dan Benishek (MI-01) and Representative Kerry Bentivolio (MI-11) today introduced the Spending Accountability Act. This legislation reduces members of Congress' pay if a federal budget deficit exists in the prior year.

"Hard working families in Michigan expect results from Washington--including not spending money we don't have. When moms and dads in Northern Michigan plan out their family budgets, they know they have to live within their means. Washington should do the same. This common sense measure simply asks Congress to do its job or take a pay cut," said Rep. Dan Benishek M.D.

"I think my colleagues need a little more motivation to do the right thing and balance the budget," said Rep. Kerry Bentivolio. "They're hitting the American taxpayer in the pocketbook by accumulating so much debt. It's time for Congress to make the tough decisions today, rather than mortgaging our childen's and grandchildren's future."

The Congressional Budget Office recently announced that America's debt is estimated to reach 26 trillion by 2023.

The Spending Accountability Act will give Congress a personal incentive to pass a balanced budget. If a federal budget deficit exists in a fiscal year, members of Congress will see a 15% reduction in compensation during the pay periods in the following calendar year.

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