Congress Should Bear the Pain of Shutdowns, Not the American People
Source: "Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 aims to end painful budget standoffs | Fox News." June 4, 2026. www.foxnews.com
The Gist
The authors argue that government shutdowns hurt regular Americans while Congress faces no consequences for failing to do their job. They propose a law that would automatically keep the government funded while forcing lawmakers to work around the clock until they pass a proper budget.
Conclusion
Congress should pass the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 to eliminate government shutdowns by making lawmakers bear the consequences instead of federal workers and citizens
Premises
- Government shutdowns cause significant economic damage, with the last shutdown costing over $11 billion
- Shutdowns harm essential services including airport security, air traffic control, veterans' benefits, and small business support
- Current shutdowns make federal workers and citizens suffer while Congress faces no direct consequences for failing to pass budgets on time
- The proposed act would automatically continue government funding while requiring Congress to work seven days a week until appropriations are passed
- This approach has strong bipartisan support and backing from government employee organizations
- Both political parties have caused shutdowns in the past, so both should work together to prevent them
Assumptions
- Congress will be motivated to act quickly if they personally face inconvenience rather than imposing costs on others
- Automatic continuing resolutions at current spending levels are preferable to shutdown scenarios
- The threat of mandatory seven-day work weeks will create sufficient pressure for timely budget negotiations
- Government shutdowns serve no legitimate policy purpose and are purely political theater