Definition

A budgetary rule requiring that new spending or tax cuts be offset by corresponding spending cuts or revenue increases, essentially Congress's version of 'if you break it, you bought it.' The principle that legislators should actually pay for things they want, which is honored about as often as gym memberships get used.

Example Usage

The progressive wing's ambitious agenda hit a wall when moderates insisted on pay-go provisions for every new program.

Origin

Short for 'pay-as-you-go,' formalized in the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990

Fun Fact

Pay-go rules are frequently waived when politically convenient, making them more aspirational than actual policy

Source: Congressional budget process terminology

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