Congressman Boyle Introduces Legislation to Ban Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) tonight released the following statement upon introducing new legislation to ban future government shutdowns, H.R. 696, the Ban Government Shutdowns Act.

"The era of government shutdowns has been a relatively recent phenomenon in American history as it is increasingly being used as a weapon for political gain," said Congressman Boyle. "This is irresponsible, and morally wrong. The current shutdown – the longest in history – continues to threaten the health and wellbeing of the American people and our economy at large. It's holding the paychecks of 800,000 hardworking public servants ransom, collateral damage of an unrelated political debate, and threatening global confidence in our nation. This is no way to govern.

"We can't imagine our founding fathers considered shutting down government as their sole means of achieving legislative victories, and neither should we in this day and age. That is why I introduced legislation today to ban any future government shutdowns. We must end this terrible chapter of political brinksmanship that continues to erode our democracy."

Congressman Boyle's legislation would trigger an automatic 90-day continuation of current funding levels at the termination of an appropriations bill, rather than a lapse in appropriations triggering a shutdown.
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