Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.) recently introduced legislation that would incentivize legislators to approve annual spending bills and a budget that balances within 10 years.
Ribble, a member of the House Budget Committee, said taxpayers who send their money to Washington deserve results.
“(Taxpayers) deserve to know that we are getting our work done,” Ribble said. “But for far too long Congress simply goes home and leaves the American people’s work unfinished. This is an embarrassing trend, and in any other profession an employee would be fired for not doing their job. The American people also deserve to know that Congress can live within its means. By requiring Congress to pass a budget that will balance within 10 years, our constituents will know we are serious about tackling Washington’s spending problems.”
Ribble’s legislation would also forbid legislators from leaving Washington until all annual spending bills are approved.
“Congress has gotten too comfortable running a budget deficit every year and shying away from tough spending decisions,” Ribble said. “I’m willing to lock the doors and force Congress to do its work. That’s why I introduced this crucial reform.”
Ribble previously introduced legislation that would withhold pay for legislators if they do not pass a budget on time.