Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) announced a sweeping legislative agenda aimed at overhauling the inefficiencies in Washington, D.C., as part of his Make Washington Work plan.
The proposals include reforms to congressional pay, stricter work requirements for welfare programs, and constitutional amendments designed to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability in government.
“These proposals are common sense,” Scott said. “If Congress doesn’t do its job, it shouldn’t get paid. Those who receive welfare and are able to work should contribute to our economy. With President Trump back in the White House, we have a real opportunity to bring much-needed change to the federal government.”
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What to know about the Make Washington Work Plan
- Constitutional Amendments for Fiscal and Political Accountability:
- Line-item veto power for the President: Empowering the President to veto specific provisions in spending bills without rejecting the entire legislation.
- Term limits for Members of Congress: Setting term limits to reduce entrenched political power.
- Supermajority requirement for raising taxes or fees: Mandating a higher threshold to approve tax increases, ensuring taxpayer protections.
- Repealing Automatic Congressional Pay Raises:
- Scott’s bill would eliminate automatic pay raises for Members of Congress, requiring direct votes on any salary adjustments.
- No Budget, No Pay Act:
- Under this legislation, Members of Congress would forgo their salaries if they fail to pass a budget resolution and appropriations bills on time. The bill has bipartisan support, with cosponsors including Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and others.
- Let’s Get to Work Act:
- Expanding work requirements for welfare programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and HUD housing assistance.
- Proposed requirements include applying SNAP work mandates to all able-bodied adults under 60, including parents with children over six years old, to encourage workforce participation.
Scott highlighted the dysfunction of recent years, citing record-high inflation, mounting national debt, and inefficiencies in Congress as key motivators for his legislative push.
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“Washington’s dysfunction is at an all-time high after four years of the Biden-Harris administration, and it’s time to make a change,” Scott said. “These measures hold Congress accountable and make sure our government works in the best interests of American families.”
The No Budget, No Pay Act has already garnered bipartisan support, signaling potential momentum for its passage. The other proposals, particularly the constitutional amendments, may face tougher challenges in Congress but underscore Scott’s commitment to long-term reform.
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Scott’s legislative package aims to complement broader Republican efforts to streamline government operations and prioritize taxpayer interests during the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
“This is about making Washington work for the people—not politicians,” Scott said. “It’s time to hold ourselves accountable and ensure we’re delivering results for American families.”
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