Dr. Rand Paul Forces Vote on Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2024

Contact: [email protected], 202-224-4343

Dr. Rand Paul Forces a Vote on Fiscally Responsible Solution to Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tonight, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) forced a vote on his Government Shutdown Prevention Act, which was offered as an amendment to H.R. 82. Dr. Paul's amendment proposed a fiscally responsible solution that prevents shutdowns. His amendment would have also prevented a shutdown crisis, discouraged excessive spending, and attempted to balance the budget.

"No matter where one stands on the debate over government spending, we should all be able to agree that Congress needs to handle Americans' money thoughtfully and hit its deadlines," said Dr. Paul. "The Government Shutdown Prevention Act would take a major step forward toward bringing basic fiscal responsibility to Capitol Hill."

Instead of Congress risking government shutting down operations, Dr. Paul's plan would keep government open but institute a six percent cut, consistent with his Penny Plan, to then-current funding levels for any agency, program, and activity that Congress failed to fund. Funding would be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted.

Currently, Congress does not face any consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time, which has helped lead to it pursuing procrastination over prudence and risking shutdowns due to impasses.

Along with ensuring government honors its obligations and maintains its operations, Dr. Paul's proposal would give agencies the certainty of knowing that, in a worst-case scenario, they will always be able to operate with a full year of funding at no less than 91 percent of their then-current levels.

You can read Dr. Paul's amendment HERE.

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