Congressman Tim Moore Introduces No Budget, No Pay Act

Holding Congress Accountable

Congressman Tim Moore has introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act, a bill designed to ensure that lawmakers are held directly accountable for their fiscal responsibilities. The legislation prohibits Members of Congress from receiving their salaries in any fiscal year until both chambers of Congress have approved a budget resolution and passed all regular appropriations bills for that year.

“Congress has a responsibility to the American people to pass a budget and appropriate funds in a timely, transparent manner,” said Congressman Moore. “For too long, Congress has operated through continuing resolutions, omnibus spending packages, and last-minute shutdown threats — it’s done nothing but lead to our debt crisis. The No Budget, No Pay Act will enforce a return to regular order by holding Members of Congress directly accountable: no budget, no paycheck.”

A Bipartisan Push for Fiscal Responsibility

The bill has drawn early support from several lawmakers who share Moore’s commitment to fiscal discipline and government transparency. Original cosponsors in the House include Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Rep. Bob Onder (MO-03), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01).

The No Budget, No Pay Act mirrors similar legislation that has already been introduced in the Senate by Senator Rick Scott, emphasizing a bicameral effort to restore fiscal accountability in Washington.

Reinforcing the Budget Process

Each fiscal year, Congress is responsible for crafting and passing a budget resolution, followed by twelve separate appropriations bills that allocate funding for federal agencies and discretionary programs. These appropriations are distinct from mandatory spending programs—such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—which continue automatically unless reformed by Congress.

Over the past decade, the failure to pass budgets and appropriations on time has led to a pattern of continuing resolutions and omnibus spending packages—stopgap measures that temporarily fund the government but often delay long-term planning and contribute to rising national debt.

Moore’s legislation seeks to break this cycle by introducing a simple but powerful incentive: Members of Congress will not receive their pay until they fulfill their constitutional duty to pass a budget and corresponding appropriations.

Congressman Moore’s Record

Congressman Moore, who serves on the House Budget Committee, has consistently advocated for greater accountability and transparency in the federal budget process. During previous funding standoffs, Moore personally requested that his pay be withheld during government shutdowns—a gesture underscoring his belief that elected officials should share in the consequences of inaction.

By tying congressional pay to the timely completion of budgetary responsibilities, Moore’s proposal underscores his broader message: government should function with the same financial discipline expected of American families and businesses.

Restoring Regular Order

The No Budget, No Pay Act represents an effort to return to “regular order,” the traditional process of passing individual appropriations bills rather than relying on last-minute, all-encompassing spending packages. Moore and his cosponsors argue that such reform is critical to reestablishing transparency, reducing waste, and avoiding the brinkmanship that too often defines modern budget negotiations.

If enacted, the legislation would mark a significant shift toward accountability in Washington—linking congressional performance directly to pay and sending a clear message: fiscal responsibility is not optional.