Today, U.S. Representatives Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer joined nineteen new members of Congress in introducing the Shutdown to End all Shutdowns (SEAS) Act to ensure that Iowans will never experience the hardships of a government shutdown again. The SEAS Act will keep the government open and functioning if Congress and the President fail to enact appropriations legislation.
If Congress fails to pass a full year appropriations bill by the end of the fiscal year, the SEAS Act automatically triggers a 30-day continuing resolution. That will ensure that hard-working Iowans will continue to receive the services their tax dollars pay for and the dedicated federal workers who keep our businesses thriving and our nation safe continue to get paid for their work.
The SEAS Act also disincentivizes the gridlock that leads to shutdowns from happening in the first place. It prevents Congress and senior, executive branch staff from being paid when they fail to govern responsibly. It ensures that they stay and actually negotiate by preventing them from using taxpayer dollars to travel.
“It has become all too common for Washington politicians to use the threat of a government shutdown to advance political or policy agendas. During this past shutdown, our federal workers, our farmers and our communities were suffering while lawmakers went home for the holidays. This is an unacceptable way to govern,” said Rep. Axne. “Our legislation says if lawmakers can’t agree on a budget, lawmakers don’t get paid. It’s time to stop punishing everyday Iowans for Washington dysfunction.”
“Today, we send a message to working families, this Congress, and all future Congresses. Shutdowns are unacceptable, they are dangerous, and they are irresponsible. This is a new day in Washington. We are here to put chaos and dysfunction aside. We are here to do our jobs and we are here to get back to work,” said Rep. Finkenauer.
What!? A law to guarantee an out of control national debt?
Pathetic. Now they want to make it a law that they don’t have to do their jobs.
Interesting that it’s two D losers on their way out that try saddle us with this junk.