Lankford Introduces Government Shutdown Prevention Act

Press Release

Congressman James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011 today as part of a comprehensive set of ten budget reform bills unveiled by the House Budget Committee and Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI). This measure is designed to avoid lapses in government funding and services if Congress fails to pass a budget or the corresponding appropriations bills in a fiscal year.

"This legislation is about getting Congress to appropriately perform its most basic function," said Congressman Lankford, "and that is ensuring funds are appropriated for government services."

If Congress fails to approve a budget by the end of each fiscal year, the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011 would ensure that all operations remain running normally, without any interruption of services, by automatically triggering a continuing resolution or short-term, stop-gap spending device. This would be accompanied by an across-the-board 1 percent decrease to discretionary spending. To motivate lawmakers from relying on additional continuing resolutions, another 1 percent spending cut would take place every three months until a long-term budget is complete. These triggers would ultimately incentivize lawmakers to build a substantive and strategic budget for our country. By changing the default from the increased spending status quo, Congress -- regardless of party affiliation -- will be forced to make smarter strategic decisions when it comes to spending hard-earned taxpayer dollars.

"At the core of our budget deficit is a flawed budget process," continued Congressman Lankford. "For nearly 1000 days, the Senate has failed to complete their most basic responsibility by passing a budget for the federal government. As a result, we have relied on six continuing resolutions this year to ensure our military aircraft keep flying, seniors continue to receive their Social Security checks and our nation's veterans are able to access vital health care services.

"Every time Congress reaches an impasse at a budget deadline, the easiest fallback position is yet another continuing resolution that funds the government at current levels," Lankford added. "This is irresponsible and untenable, and this reckless form of funding our government must cease. This legislation will put an end to the government shutdown madness."

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source