[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SHOULDN'T GET PAID

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                         HON. RICHARD J. DURBIN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 1995
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, if the Government closes, so should its 
pocketbook. Today, I am introducing legislation to cut off the 
paychecks of Members of Congress if the Federal Government shuts down 
because of budget gridlock. Senator Boxer of California is introducing 
identical legislation in the Senate.
  Under Federal law, the House and the Senate must pass all 
appropriations bills by October 1. If all the bills are not approved 
and a stop-gap measure is not enacted, the Federal Government will be 
unable to make payments or meet its obligations. Such a ``train wreck'' 
could result in a shutdown of certain Federal operations.
  Too many politicians on Capitol Hill are talking about a ``train 
wreck'' as if we're dealing with toy trains. A shutdown of the Federal 
Government is a serious matter, and Members of Congress should take it 
seriously.
  The bill I am introducing is simple--if we don't finish the job, we 
don't get paid. The bill has three simple provisions.
  First, Members would not receive basic pay for any period in which 
there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department 
as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or 
continuing resolution.
  Second, Members would not receive basic pay for any period in which 
the Federal Government is unable to make payments or meet obligations 
because the public debt limit has been reached.
  Third, no pay forfeited under this measure could be paid 
retroactively.
  A Government shutdown is not child's play. If a ``train wreck'' 
occurs, it will disrupt the lives of millions of Americans.
  Even if so-called essential services are continued, many people will 
be affected by the shutdown of Federal offices. Let me give a few 
examples.
  The small business owner looking for a Federally-assisted loan or 
technical assistance may be told to put his business plans on hold 
until the shutdown ends.
  The senior citizen trying to apply for Social Security benefits may 
have to delay her retirement because her application can't be 
processed.
  The farmer looking for advice from the Soil Conservation Service may 
find the office closed and no one answering the telephones.
  These disruptions are not necessary. It's our responsibility to avoid 
a ``train wreck'' while Congress and the President debate the broader 
spending priorities over which we differ. We ought to be able to allow 
the Government to continue operating while we negotiate our differences 
over spending priorities. If not, Congressional salaries should be 
first on the budget chopping block.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this legislation to 
make Members feel the pain that will be inflicted on others if the 
Government shuts down.


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