Senator James Lankford (R-OK) reintroduced a bill last week to prevent government shutdowns by initiating an automatic continuing resolution (CR) if government funding has not been enacted on time and requiring Congress stay in Wash., DC until funding has been passed.
A government shutdown could be looming because federal funding runs out on September 30, and Congress has not passed annual appropriations bills, according to a press release from Lankford’s office.
“As our national debt climbs dangerously higher and Congress continues to ignore the tough spending decisions, forcing Congress to stay in DC until the budget work is done is the most effective way to get Congress to actually get the government funded on time,” said Lankford. “Shutdowns cost taxpayer dollars, hurt federal employees and their families, and threaten our national security.”
SEE ALSO:
- What Happens to Federal Pay, Retirement & Holidays During a Government Shutdown?
- New Rules Provide Benefit Protections for Federal Employees, Retirees during Government Shutdowns
If passed, the The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (S 2727) — upon a lapse in government funding — would implement an automatic CR, on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. The intention is that this would prevent a shutdown and continue critical services and operations.
During the covered period of an automatic CR, the following restrictions are put in place:
– No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one flight to return to Washington, DC) for the following:
- White House OMB staff and leadership
- Members of the House and Senate
- Committee and personal staff of the House and Senate
– No official funds may be used for CODEL or STAFFDEL travel
– No use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses
– No motions to recess or adjourn in the House/Senate for a period or more than 23 hours.
The legislation is supported by the following groups: Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, FreedomWorks, National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, and the American Conservative Union.
To read the full text of the bill, go here.