Congressman Jack Bergman is calling on members of Congress to have their pay directly linked to their ability to balance the budget.
The Watersmeet Republican co-introduced the Accountability for Congressional Pay Act, which would cut legislators’ pay equal to the percentage of deficit spending in the federal budget.
This pay cut will be up to 15 percent and will be implemented during each member’s following term, should that member get re-elected.
Members serving their first term will not receive a pay cut.
“As Members of Congress, we owe a fiduciary responsibility to the American people,” Bergman said. “The ACP Act increases Congressional accountability by tying Member compensation directly to the rate of success we have when it comes to reining in out-of-control government spending. There has to be skin in the game for all of us. We’re on the edge of a fiscal crisis, and it’s time for us to stop being irresponsible with other people’s money. That’s why this legislation is so essential, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting it.”