U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) has introduced new legislation aimed at ending government shutdowns, citing the impact these shutdowns have on federal workers and the broader economy. In a statement, Barr compared Congress’s responsibility to that of American families managing their household budgets, saying, “Every year, hardworking American families sit around their kitchen tables and make sure their bills are paid. They don’t get to ‘shut down’ their household if they miss a deadline. They make adjustments, tighten their belts, and do what’s necessary to keep the lights on and food on the table. Congress should be held to the same standard.”
Barr criticized what he described as a pattern in Washington where partisanship leads to repeated government shutdowns. He noted that during recent budget negotiations, House Republicans passed a plan endorsed by former President Trump to fund the government but blamed Senate Democrats for stalling progress: “But because of Senate Democrats and Chuck Schumer, we are staring down the possibility of another disastrous government shutdown later this month.”
According to Barr, government shutdowns disrupt paychecks for over 800,000 Americans—including military personnel—and create uncertainty for essential workers such as TSA employees and air traffic controllers. He referenced estimates from Goldman Sachs indicating that each week of a shutdown could reduce quarterly GDP growth by about 0.2 percentage points. A U.S. Senate report found that previous shutdowns in 2013, 2018, and 2019 cost taxpayers $4 billion.
Barr’s proposed End Government Shutdowns Act would automatically enact a continuing resolution at 99 percent of prior year funding if regular appropriations are not passed on time. Funding would then decrease by an additional one percent every thirty days until Congress passes a new budget.
He emphasized: “So not only will we ensure that we keep paychecks flowing to the families of hardworking military and law enforcement families, but we also will put pressure on Congress to strike a new deal.”
Barr recalled effects from past shutdowns: “During the 2018–2019 shutdown caused by Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats—the longest in our nation’s history—federal employees missed paychecks, small businesses waiting on federal permits were left in limbo, and there were billions of dollars in estimated lost economic output.” He added it was wrong for service members or border agents to need loans due to delayed pay.
While acknowledging some may argue Congress should not require automatic mechanisms to fulfill its duties, Barr stated his bill is designed “about protecting Americans from harm and restoring accountability to the process.” He said further: “The stakes are too high to continue lurching from crisis to crisis… The End Government Shutdowns Act is about responsibility—responsibility to the people we serve, to the men and women who defend us, and to the principles of good governance.”
Andy Barr has represented Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District since replacing Ben Chandler in 2013 (https://barr.house.gov/about). Before serving in Congress he was part of Kentucky’s House of Representatives. Born in Lexington in 1973 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B001282), Barr graduated with a BA from University of Virginia before earning his JD at University of Kentucky College of Law.
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