Blue Dogs call on Democratic leaders to abide by pay-go rule

Members of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate House Democrats, are cautioning the party’s leadership against disregarding the caucus’ pay-as-you-go rule.

In a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) on Wednesday, the group noted the rule was passed with overwhelming Democratic support at the beginning of the 116th Congress. 

{mosads}Blue Dogs also called on Democratic leaders to “only advance legislation that is fully paid for.” Pay-as-you-go calls for any increases in the deficit to be paid for. 

The call by the centrist lawmakers comes in the wake of House Democrats opting to waive the pay-as-you-go rule to pass legislation aimed at protecting Dreamers — a top priority for the party.

“As we begin considering items on the Consensus Calendar, we request that you only designate them for consideration under a process that does not waive other House rules, including those that are intended to keep our fiscal house in order,” the letter, which was signed by 20 members, said. 

“A rule created with good intentions should not be used to circumvent other important rules included in the package, such as the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rule, which requires Congress to pay for new priorities. “

The lawmakers argued they need to be cautious of adding to the debt and deficit, noting the national debt has exceeded $22 trillion.