The government could prevent yet another impending shutdown. This option can be avoided with some legislation.
The last government shutdown not only hurt Washington, it greatly halted business as usual across America. State parks were closed, essential government services for people were disrupted. Since the last shutdown was caused by Republicans wanting smaller government and budget cuts, they were mostly blamed for the shutdown.
Though Republicans bore the brunt of the shutdown, they said the shutdown showed how they stick to their limited-government principles. President Obama didn’t hesitate to use the last shutdown for political gain. He portrayed Republicans as unwilling to compromise after the last government shutdown.
The solution to the political infighting that causes government shutdowns can be a budget reform law. In the event of a government shutdown, the government could still effectively function.
In the event of a shutdown, the government would not close down government monuments or furlough federal employees, which are disruptive acts that makes Americans resent both political parties.
The budget reform act would also continue about 95% of the budget’s discretionary spending, so Americans’ lives are not easily disrupted by the shutdown. The 5 % cut in spending could be a compromise that Republicans can agree with, while Democrats would favor the continuation of government spending.
A budget reform act could also increase government accountability. In case of a government shutdown, federal agencies could report to Congress what budget cuts were made to reduce government spending and balance the budget- if Obama passes such a bill passed by Congress.
”You’ve got Republicans in a position where it’s not enough for them simply to grind the wheels of Congress to a halt and then blame me,” said Obama.“They are going to be in a position in which they have to show that they can responsibly govern, given that they have significant majorities in both chambers.”
A budget reform law could show that the parties can work together and avoid another catastrophic government shutdown.
