Balderson Introduces First Bill, Aims to Permanently Prevent Shutdowns

WASHINGTON – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced his maiden legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, the End Government Shutdowns Act (H.R.791), which would permanently prevent government shutdowns from taking effect.

“Shutdowns habitually put the federal government—and everyday Americans—in peril of not receiving their due paychecks or accessing critical resources,” said Congressman Troy Balderson. “As Members of Congress, it’s our job to make sure the government remains fully functional for all Americans. They deserve better.”

The End Government Shutdowns Act amends 31 U.S.C. § 13 to automatically trigger continued levels of discretionary funding for 120 days, should not all appropriations measures be agreed upon by the end of the fiscal year. If within those 120 days, appropriations agreements have not been made, a one percent cut in all discretionary funding—known as a sequester—will take effect. After 90 days, if still no appropriations agreements have been made, another one percent cut will take effect, subsequently every 90 days until appropriations have been made.

The End Government Shutdowns Act is the House companion to U.S. Senator Rob Portman’s (R-OH) identical legislation (S.104).

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