Rep. Andy Barr: Why I’m Introducing Legislation to End Government Shutdowns

Every year, hardworking American families sit around their kitchen tables and make sure their bills are paid. They don't get to "shut down" their household if they miss a deadline. They make adjustments, tighten their belts, and do what's necessary to keep the lights on and food on the table. Congress should be held to the same standard.

Unfortunately, Washington has developed a dangerous habit of letting partisanship produce government shutdown after government shutdown. In this recent episode of the government shutdown saga, House Republicans did our job; we passed a plan endorsed by President Trump to keep the government open and funded. But because of Senate Democrats and Chuck Schumer, we are staring down the possibility of another disastrous government shutdown later this month.

These shutdowns delay paychecks for more than 800,000 Americans, including military members. Government shutdowns keep our TSA employees and air traffic controllers working without certainty and create chaos for families who rely on basic government services. Goldman Sachs estimates that each week of a shutdown can reduce the quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by approximately 0.2 percentage points. A 2019 report in the U.S. Senate showed that shutdowns in 2013, 2018, and 2019 cost taxpayers $4B. Government shutdowns undermine confidence in our institutions, rattle our economy, and send the wrong message to our adversaries abroad.

It's time to put an end to this once and for all. That is why I've introduced the End Government Shutdowns Act. Under my bill, if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations on time, an automatic continuing resolution takes effect. This means federal agencies remain funded at 99 percent of the prior year's funding level for 30 days. If Congress still cannot agree on a new budget, funding is reduced by an additional 1 percent every 30 days until a budget is passed.

So not only will we ensure that we keep paychecks flowing to the families of hardworking military and law enforcement families, but we also will put pressure on Congress to strike a new deal.

Critics of shutdowns often point to the staggering costs they impose. During the 2018-2019 shutdown caused by Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats-the longest in our nation's history-federal employees missed paychecks, small businesses waiting on federal permits were left in limbo, and there were billions of dollars in estimated lost economic output. Beyond the numbers, the damage to morale and trust was immeasurable. It is unconscionable to ever again ask a young soldier deployed overseas or a Border Patrol agent on duty to secure finances for their families through costly short-term loans or borrowing money to cover expenses because politicians can't do their jobs.

Some will say Congress shouldn't need an automatic mechanism to do its job. I agree. In a perfect world, the threat to American families' livelihoods alone would lead to timely budgets. But history has shown otherwise. My legislation is not about giving one side an advantage, it is about protecting Americans from harm and restoring accountability to the process.

The stakes are too high to continue lurching from crisis to crisis. Our men and women in uniform should never be pawns in political fights. Our families shouldn't wonder whether they will receive their next paycheck to keep the lights on and food on the table. Americans shouldn't wonder if the airport security line will be staffed. Our veterans, seniors, and taxpayers deserve predictability, not uncertainty.

The End Government Shutdowns Act is about responsibility-responsibility to the people we serve, to the men and women who defend us, and to the principles of good governance. It keeps the lights on in Washington, but more importantly, it keeps faith with the American people.

It's time we put an end to government shutdowns for good.

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) represents Kentucky's Sixth Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

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