We the People have elected our representatives to run the government for us. If they are unable, or unwilling, to do so they do not deserve the large salaries that go with it.
It is not the fault of the Post Office, our men and women in the military, nor is it the fault of our police force when a budget does not get passed. Yet we continue to set the burden of recouping monies lost on them and other agencies that need funding.
If our elected officials fail to do their jobs, they must be the ones to take the first hit in pay before ANY other person in this country. It is their fault, and their fault alone for failing to work together.
If not buget gets passed, the fiscally responsible thing to do is to reduce all members of the House and Senate's pay to a minimun wage equivalent.