A Virginia Democrat lawmaker suggests that Congress should only receive payment if the debt ceiling is increased.

U.S. Congress Members Shouldn’t Get Paid Until Debt Limit Crisis is Resolved, Says Rep. Abigail Spanberger

The Stalemate

The United States is facing a debt limit crisis, and the two major political parties are at a stalemate. While the Democrats refuse to compromise, the GOP is debt ceiling is increased.”>demanding responsible fiscal spending. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) has suggested that members of Congress should not receive their pay until the debt limit crisis is resolved.

The Consequences

The Treasury Department has taken “extraordinary measures” to prevent a default, but if the debt limit is not raised, it could trigger a loss of seven million jobs, push the unemployment rate over eight percent, eliminate approximately $10 trillion in household wealth, and reduce America’s real GDP by almost four percent. Seniors, servicemembers, and veterans would also be at risk of missing the benefits they’ve earned and that are critical for paying basic living expenses and affording healthcare.

The Urgency

The parties must find a resolution by figuring out a common ground, or the United States will default on its debts for the first time in history. Since 2008, the United States has added $22 trillion in debt—$8 trillion of which has been accumulated since 2020. It had taken the country 230 years to add its first $8 trillion in debt.

The Impasse

At the latest debt ceiling talks on May 9, the parties found themselves at an impasse without any progress towards raising the debt ceiling. The White House blamed the GOP for holding the country “hostage,” and during a briefing on the day, WH press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the issue was “not negotiable.”

The Solution

The parties must find a solution soon, or the consequences could be dire. It’s time for both sides to come together and find common ground for the sake of the American people.