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Legislators

Preventing Government Shutdowns: Sen. Grassley's Call to Action

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sen. Charles E. Grassley reintroduced his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, aimed at stopping partisan gridlock and ensuring the federal government remains operational. The legislation seeks to keep the federal purse strings in the hands of lawmakers, rather than relying on stop-gap spending measures. Grassley argues that this approach would prevent government shutdowns by forcing lawmakers to exercise fiscal stewardship and avoid brinksmanship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act aims to require members of Congress to stay in Washington, D.C. until work is completed on must-pass spending bills.
  • The legislation would restrict taxpayer-funded travel for official business for members of Congress and their staff, as well as White House staff working for the Office of Management and Budget.
  • The bill would implement an automatic continuing resolution (CR) on a rolling 14-day window, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year.
  • No other votes would be allowed in the House or Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate.
  • The legislation would effectively neuter the blame game and partisan shenanigans that have spoiled the annual appropriations process.
  • Sen. Grassley advocates for a biennial budget process that would establish a two-year budget cycle with realistic and enforceable deadlines.

Statistics:

  • The federal budget operates on a 12-month fiscal year that starts on Oct. 1.
  • In recent years, partisan gridlock has thrown sand in the gears of the budgeting process, often grinding the people's business to a screeching halt.
  • The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act aims to prevent government shutdowns, which cost money to shut down and reopen.
  • The legislation would implement an automatic CR on a rolling 14-day window, which would prevent critical government services from being used as bargaining chips during negotiations on federal spending.

Sources:

  • Senate.gov, "News Releases: Q&A: Stop Government Shutdowns Once and For All" [https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-stop-government-shutdowns-once-and-for-all]

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