Congressman John Curtis (R-UT) released the following statement after he introduced The Government Shutdown Prevention Act with Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA).
The legislation aims to end political gameplaying and fix Congress’ dysfunctional budget process. Since 2013, the federal government has shut down on four separate occasions. Since December 22, the federal government has been shut down due to an impasse over spending. As of January 16, it is the longest federal shutdown in history.
“Since coming to Congress, I have consistently advocated for a better budgeting process. Members of Congress should be accountable to fund the Federal government responsibly and on-time,” said Curtis. Today, I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense bill, which mirror’s Utah’s process, to permanently end government shutdowns for good.”
Background
If passed, the legislation would automatically continue government funding through a continuing resolution. The bill would implement a five percent spending penalty on the day the continuing resolution begins. Federal spending would be reduced by two percent 60 days after the first day of the fiscal year and by an additional two percent each subsequent 60-day period.
The Government Shutdown Prevention Act is also sponsored by Reps Rodney Davis (R-IL), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Fred Upton (R-MI).
Earlier this month, Congressman Curtis introduced H.R. 26, the “No Work, No Pay Act of 2019.” The legislation would prohibit Senators and Representatives from being paid during periods when any Federal agency is shut down due to a lapse in funding appropriated by Congress. Click here for more.
Like he has done during previous government shutdowns, Rep. Curtis asked Clerk of the House to withhold his pay until the government is fully funded. A copy the letter requesting the pay to be withheld can be found here.
