WASHINGTON – As the threat of a possible government shutdown looms on April 29, 2017, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., again co-sponsored legislation this week that would permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down and would help end haphazard last-minute budget agreements that threaten our economy and harm taxpayers.

The End Government Shutdowns Act, S.918, seeks to end the threat of cutting off essential federal government services such as funding for our military defense and veterans and prevent last-minute budget deals that fail to address the nation’s out-of-control spending.

“The now almost routine threat of a government shutdown is frustrating to Americans who expect their government to operate and budget responsibly, as most Americans have to do for their own households,” said Isakson. “I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that moves us toward fiscal stability and away from political games that harm our economy.”

The End Government Shutdowns Act was introduced by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and would create an automatic continuing resolution for any regular appropriations bill not completed by the annual October 1 deadline. After the first 120 days, continuing resolution funding would be reduced by 1 percent. The funding would again be reduced by 1 percent every 90 days thereafter until Congress does its job and completes the annual appropriations process. 

The bill would ensure:

• No more government shutdowns that create chaos for citizens who depend on federal services and cost taxpayers billions of dollars;
• Stability and predictability for government agencies, which will be able to plan their budgets based on a default appropriations level;
• Less incentive for haphazard, last-minute budget deals;
• Lawmakers would have until January each year to complete the appropriations bills before funding levels change; and
• Government spending is restrained by maintaining and gradually reducing funding when Congress does not act.

In addition to Isakson, the legislation was co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

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