COUCHMAN: To End Shutdowns Responsibly, Put Congress’s Time on the Line

Commentary: Put Congress’ time on the line to end shutdowns responsibly

With the median U.S. senator worth $4.4 million, there are more effective ways to incentivize Congress to fulfill its responsibilities than agreeing to not get paid during a federal government shutdown.

COUCHMAN: To End Shutdowns Responsibly, Put Congress’s Time on the Line

The Senate recently agreed not to get paid during a federal government shutdown. Missing paychecks would be a big deal for most of us. The median senator is worth $4.4 million, and many are far richer. Holding back their paychecks might help, but there are more effective ways to motivate Congress to get its work done. For example, members are perfectly equal in their time. That’s the logic behind the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. If a budget…

ICYMI: To End Shutdowns Responsibly, Put Congress’s Time on the Line

ARLINGTON, VA— In case you missed it Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow of Americans for Prosperity, recently published an op-ed with DC Journal arguing that while the Senate’s move to forgo pay during a government shutdown may increase accountability, it is unlikely to meaningfully change congressional incentives. The piece makes the case for the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would keep Congress working in Washington during funding lapses w…