House Republicans push #NoBudgetNoPay hashtag

By Alicia M. Cohn - 01/18/13 03:42 PM ET

House Republicans are entering the weekend with a united Twitter campaign for #NoBudgetNoPay.

The hashtag represents a plan to force Congress to pass a budget this year by enforcing the condition that without it, members of Congress will not be paid.

Republicans are concluding a three-day retreat in Williamsburg, Va., on Friday, a series of meetings this year expected to confront the recent inter-party conflict, including the GOP lawmakers who voted against House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) or refused to back his fiscal-cliff deal late last year.

The general show of unity for the measure, on Twitter at least, could be a sign of successful meetings, although so far Boehner's most vocal dissenters — such as Reps. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) and Justin Amash (R-Mich.) — have not tweeted their support.

The proposal House Republican leaders are pushing would approve a three-month increase in the debt limit with the condition that the Senate pass a budget by the April 15 deadline. The Senate has not passed a budget resolution in nearly four years. The budget serves as a blueprint of sorts for federal funds represented by the appropriations process.

Republicans are hammering home that point in their tweets on Friday, including one tweet from Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) noting that “the last time the Senate passed a budget, the iPad did not exist.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) also set up a website to help drum up public support for the cause.

"If Democrats won't do their job, they shouldn't be paid. Tell [Senate Majority Leader] Harry Reid: No budget, no pay," reads the NRCC site, before asking supporters to sign.

Republicans did not have the hashtag trending yet by mid-afternoon on Friday, but usage was steadily increasing on Twitter, according to Topsy analytics.

We're going to pursue strategies that obligate Senate to join House in confronting gov spending problem j.mp/10miUTL #NoBudgetNoPay
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) January 18, 2013

RT if you agree: Members of Congress should not be paid until we pass a budget. #NoBudgetNoPay
— CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) January 18, 2013

If families and small businesses must work off a budget, why can’t Members of Congress? #NoBudgetNoPay
— Rep. Andy Harris, MD (@RepAndyHarrisMD) January 18, 2013

Pleased to see support from @speakerboehnerfor my legisation, #NoBudgetNoPay. It's a much-needed, common-sense approach.
— Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) January 18, 2013

If the Senate or House fails to pass a budget, Members of Congress will not be paid.#NoBudgetNoPay it's that simple.
— Rep. Bill Huizenga (@RepHuizenga) January 18, 2013

It's time to get serious about getting our fiscal house in order. #NoBudgetNoPay is what I am going to support.
— Rep. Vicky Hartzler (@RepHartzler) January 18, 2013

Congress doesn't deserve a paycheck if they can't do their job. Tell Senate Democrats to pass a budget. #NoBudgetNoPay
— Lynn Westmoreland (@RepWestmoreland) January 18, 2013