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Congressman Dan Kildee Introduces Bill to Prevent Government Shutdowns

February 13, 2019

Bill Would End Harmful Government Shutdowns and Withhold the Paychecks of Members of Congress and the President Until They Fund the Government

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, joined by Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04), today introduced a bill to end the harmful practice of government shutdowns.

The Ensure Washington Funds Government Responsibly Act would make it so if Congress for any reason fails to fund the government on time, a short-term spending bill—commonly referred to as a continuing resolution—would automatically go into effect. In addition, paychecks issued during the shutdown for Members of Congress and the President would be withheld until both branches of government do their job and fund the government.

Congressman Kildee's legislation would ensure that essential government functions—including national security, defense and other critical agencies—are able to operate and are funded at spending levels enacted previously, accounting for inflation. His legislation would also ensure that if leaders fail to reach an agreement to fund government, essential programs are protected and can continue at responsible levels. But by placing their pay in escrow, the bill also provides a mechanism to incentivize Congress and the President to work together quickly to do their job and pass a spending bill.

"The American people and our dedicated public servants should never be punished when Congress and the President fail to do their job and pass a spending bill," Congressman Kildee said. "After the longest government shutdown in our nation's history, I have heard from my constituents loud and clear—we cannot allow another government shutdown to ever happen again. Failing to pass a bill and forcing a government shutdown to score political points is no way to run a corner grocery store, let alone the United States government."

"The recent shutdown was the longest in our nation's history, and took a massive toll on American families and the economy. Congress needs to take action to prevent this from happening again," said Congressman DeFazio.

During this year's 35-day government shutdown, 800,000 federal workers did not receive two paychecks on-time. Additionally, 400,000 other federal workers—including border patrol officers, FBI agents, TSA agents and food safety inspectors—were forced to work without pay. More than 5,200 federal workers in Michigan were furloughed or working without pay during the recent government shutdown.

Last month, Congressman Kildee met with local-area air traffic controllers in Flint to hear first-hand how the recent government shutdown affected them and their families.

According to an analysis by S&P Global, this year's government shutdown cost the economy at least $6 billion. The October 2013 shutdown cost the American people $24 billion. The Council of Economic Advisers estimated that the 2013 shutdown resulted in 120,000 fewer private sector jobs created.