NARFE is urging members of Congress to support the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (S. 4632/ H.R. 5870), which would provide for additional funding for programs that would otherwise lapse under a shutdown, as well as provide a mechanism to incentivize Congress to avoid lapses in government funding completely.

Specifically, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would automatically continue funding for programs for a period of 14 days, and then again for another 14 days if an appropriation is still not passed, and so on until funding is provided for a full year, or until a measure is passed specifying no more funds shall be provided for the said program. To compel Congress to avoid shutdowns, the bill would restrict official travel, using campaign funds for official travel, and broadly keep Members in the District of Columbia until full appropriations are enacted. The bill would also prohibit the consideration of other legislative measures during the shutdown period, including nominations.

Please use the sample letter below to urge your members of Congress to take a stance against careless government shutdowns and prioritize the livelihoods of Americans!

Personalized and unique messages are more effective in influencing a legislator's perspective. Please add a few sentences to this letter about how this legislation would affect you or the greater federal community.