U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) said the House is the only chamber that has passed a budget in three years. (WJBC file photo)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - The U.S. House Wednesday will vote on a temporary extension of the debt ceiling.

The bill includes enough borrowing to pay three months of bills and includes a provision that if the U.S. Senate doesn't pass a budget plan, there will be no pay for House or Senate members.

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill) said it is a measure to address the fact that the Senate hasn't debated a budget in three years.

"That's how it works in the real world, that's how it works in Central Illinois. If you show up and you aren't doing your job, you either get fired or you don't get paid," Schock said. "The House is saying, 'we'll give you three months, we're going to pass our budget, defend the cost curbs and balances in ten years, and Senate if you can't pass a budget, you don't get paid.'"

PODCAST: Listen to Schock's interview on WJBC

Schock said House Republicans have been the only group with sensible plan to save programs such as Medicare and Social Security without raising taxes.

Illinois Republican platform

Schock said he doesn't agree with Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady's recent comments supporting same sex marriage.

Brady has been criticized by fellow Republicans for his stance on the issue. But, he considers same-sex marriage a constitutional right.

"For a long time I've believed that the government prohibiting same-sex marriage violates one of our fundamental constitutional principles, and that's equal treatment under the law. That is to me the foundation of the conservative approach to governing," he said.

Schock said as a leader of the party, Brady has a responsibility to the platform.

"I also believe we can't have purity tests to be Republicans. We can't say, 'Well gee, you have to agree with us on everything from social issues to economic issues in order for you to call yourself a Republican,'" Schock said. "We have to be a big tent."

Schock didn't go so far as to say Brady should step down.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.