Charleston Reporter

Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced the “Presidential Budget Accountability Act” to ensure that the President is held accountable for submitting the annual budget to Congress in a timely manner. The bill includes provisions that would prohibit the payment of salaries to the President and members of the cabinet if the budget is not submitted before the first Monday in February of any year.

In a statement regarding the proposed legislation, Rep. Nancy Mace emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating, "The President's actions are effectively holding the financial future of our Nation hostage. We cannot afford to condone such irresponsible pandering. The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. Congress should not have to beg the President to fulfill his duty, particularly given the unprecedented urgency of our Nation's fiscal crisis."

The Presidential Budget Accountability Act aims to address the issue of missed budget deadlines and ensure that the administration complies with the statutory requirement of submitting the budget. The bill is particularly timely as President Joe Biden has missed the budget deadline for the fourth consecutive time and has yet to release his budget requests.

Key provisions of the Presidential Budget Accountability Act include a prohibition on pay for the President and senior executive branch officials if the budget is not submitted on time, the establishment of an escrow account to withhold payments during overdue periods, and the application of the Act to the President's annual budget submissions for fiscal year 2025 and beyond.

The introduction of this legislation underscores the importance of upholding fiscal accountability and responsibility within the government. For more information on the Presidential Budget Accountability Act, individuals can contact Gabrielle Lipsky at Gabrielle.lipsky@mail.house.gov.