Davis Introduces Bill to End Threat of Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON DC –  Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today introduced the End Government Shutdowns Act to end the threat of future government shutdowns as leaders in both parties negotiate the latest spending bill. The current spending bill expires on Friday, April 28, 2017.

“Every time there is a threat of a government shutdown by either party, our country is losing,” said Davis. “Each threat of a government shutdown puts our troops and national security at risk, negatively impacts our markets, and jeopardizes our position as a world leader. I’m confident that both parties will come together once again to avert a government shutdown but crisis appropriating is not the way to govern. This bill removes that threat. I want Congress to get back to our regular appropriations process and stop massive, year-end spending deals where the choice is vote for this bill or shut down the government. Instead of relying on these deals negotiated by just a few members of Congress, we should be passing each appropriation bill to give every member a say as we go line-by-line through our budget to reduce and reprioritize spending.”

Davis’ bill, similar to a Senate version introduced by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), would create an automatic continuing resolution (CR) for any regular appropriations bill not completed by October 1. After the first 120 days, CR funding would be reduced by one percentage point, and would continue to be reduced by that margin every 90 days without a bill. Text of the legislation can be found here.

The End Government Shutdowns Act would:

• Prevent government shutdowns which put our troops at risk, disrupt people’s lives, and negatively impact our economy. There were 15 government shutdowns between 1976 and 1990, and the most recent government shutdown in 2013 cost our economy an estimated $20 billion.
• Discourage rushed, massive year-end spending bills where members are left with the option: vote for it or shut down the government.
• Encourage the use of our regular appropriations process where we debate and pass individual appropriations bills.
• Continue to address spending by gradually reducing funding.