Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04), who represents a portion of Rutherford County, has signed onto a bill by Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN-05) that would deny congressional pay if Congress fails to pass its budgeted appropriations bills on time. The No Budget, No Pay Act would prohibit members from receiving pay after missing deadlines for budget and appropriations bills, and it would not allow for that pay to be recouped retroactively. Corresponding legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Dean Heller (R-NV).

Yesterday marks the 1,000th day almost three years since the Senate has passed a budget.

Representative DesJarlais said, "any family or business owner in my district will tell you that the first step to financial success is creating a budget, the same holds true to running the federal government."

So far, the no budget - no pay bill has not passed congress.