Preamble

The Nationalist Party believes in a government that is accountable to the people and fiscally responsible. To ensure that our elected representatives are fully aligned with the economic well-being of the nation, we propose a comprehensive reform to congressional compensation. This policy aims to directly link the salaries of Congress members to the performance of the economy, effective management of government spending, and adherence to balanced budget principles.

 

Policy Framework

Economic Performance-Based Compensation Adjustments

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth: Congressional salaries will be adjusted annually based on GDP growth. If GDP growth is above 3%, salaries will increase by 5%. If GDP growth is between 1% and 3%, salaries will remain unchanged. If GDP growth falls below 1%, salaries will decrease by 5%.

• Unemployment Rate: Congressional pay will be inversely adjusted based on the national unemployment rate. For every 1% increase in the unemployment rate above a baseline of 4%, congressional salaries will be reduced by 2%.

Government Spending and Deficit Reduction Tied to Compensation

• Balanced Budget Incentives: If Congress passes a balanced budget with no deficit, members will receive a salary bonus of 10%. If the budget has a deficit, salaries will be reduced proportionally based on the size of the deficit relative to GDP. For example, a 2% deficit to GDP ratio would result in a 4% salary reduction.

• Spending Cap Discipline: Congressional pay will be reduced by 1% for every $100 billion the federal budget exceeds a predetermined spending cap, adjusted annually for inflation and population growth. This cap will be established at the start of each congressional session.

Debt Management and Inflation Control as Pay Determinants

• Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Congressional salaries will be adjusted based on the national debt-to-GDP ratio. If the ratio decreases by 2% or more in a fiscal year, salaries will increase by 3%. If the ratio increases by 2% or more, salaries will be reduced by 3%.

• Inflation Rate Adjustments: If inflation exceeds the target range of 2-3% set by the Federal Reserve, congressional pay will decrease by 1% for every 0.5% inflation exceeds this range. If inflation is within the target range or below, salaries will remain stable.

Government Shutdown Penalties

• Shutdown Penalty Clause: If a government shutdown occurs due to Congress failing to pass a budget, all congressional salaries will be suspended for the duration of the shutdown. Additionally, a 10% pay reduction will be applied for the remainder of the fiscal year following a shutdown to incentivize timely budget approvals.

Strategic Economic Goals and Performance Reviews

• Achievement of Strategic Goals: Congressional pay will be tied to the achievement of specific economic and fiscal goals established at the beginning of each session, including targets for infrastructure investment, reducing healthcare costs, enhancing education funding, and maintaining military spending within set limits. Progress towards these goals will be reviewed annually, with pay adjustments based on achievements.

• Independent Oversight Commission: An independent, bipartisan commission will be established to review economic indicators and government performance annually. This commission will recommend adjustments to congressional salaries based on predetermined criteria set forth in this policy.

 

Implementation Strategy

• Legislative Action: This policy will require new legislation, which must be passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. Given the 27th Amendment, any changes in compensation will take effect only after the next congressional election.

• Transparency and Public Accountability: All criteria and metrics used to adjust congressional pay will be publicly available, ensuring full transparency and accountability to the American people.

• Constitutional Considerations: This policy will be designed in full compliance with the 27th Amendment and other relevant constitutional provisions, ensuring that any changes to compensation do not take effect until after an election of Representatives has intervened.

 

Conclusion

The Nationalist Party is committed to fostering a government that is accountable, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the economic interests of the American people. By tying congressional pay to the performance of the economy, government spending, and budget management, we ensure that our elected representatives are directly incentivized to govern in the best interests of the nation. This policy embodies our commitment to pragmatic and practical governance, rooted in civic nationalism and the pursuit of the common good.

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