| Ellison Statement on Vote Against H.R. 325 |
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| January 24, 2013 |
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WASHINGTON—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after voting against the No Budget, No Pay Act (H.R. 325), which passed the House 285-144: “I voted no today on the No Budget, No Pay Act because it kicks the can down the road and it threatens jobs. The bill sets up another debt ceiling fight in a few months, ensuring that both markets and the American people will continue to be caught up in this manufactured drama. We need a clean debt ceiling increase immediately, as we have done dozens of times in the past, including 18 times under Ronald Reagan and 7 times under George W. Bush. “The bill also contained a provision that directly violates the 27th Amendment to the Constitution. The Amendment states: ‘No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.’ The 27th Amendment was ratified to ensure that members voted for or against a bill based on what was right for their constituents, not their own compensation. I swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and cannot in good conscience support an unconstitutional bill. “The bill might have a catchy title, but we’re sent here to find solutions that protect and invest in working families. I voted no because this bill fails this test.” |
