Alexander Signs on to Cooper’s ‘No Budget, No Pay’

Legislation originating from Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper has gained the support of Tennessee’s most senior Republican in Washington. Sen. Lamar Alexander says he’s signing onto the “No Budget, No Pay” act.

Alexander uses one of his famous Grand Ole Opry analogies to explain. He says you wouldn’t expect an Opry member to get paid if they showed up late and refused to sing.

The “No Budget, No Pay” proposal has been widely panned as a gimmick with no chance of passage. Alexander says he’s been convinced otherwise.

“It’s not an unserious proposal to me. I guess it’s unusual.”

Alexander says he’s tired of trying to talk colleagues into passing a budget.

“I’ve been trying all year to use persuasion, and it simply hasn’t worked. For the life of me, I don’t see how we can balance a budget if we don’t have a budget.”

The legislation would keep lawmakers from getting paid if they can’t pass a budget by the beginning of the federal government’s fiscal year, October 1st. Alexander – who is independently wealthy – says he will do what he can to get it passed, though its too late for the law to take effect this year.

Over the weekend, the Senate did approve what’s called a continuing resolution, which will keep the government going for the next six months. Alexander voted in favor, though Tennessee Republican Bob Corker voted against it.

Sen. Corker has also co-sponsored the No Budget, No Pay act. And four Tennessee Republicans in the House have signed on, including Reps. Diane Black, Marsha Blackburn and Scott DesJarlais.