| Hello John, Every few years, Congress plays the same reckless game: push the country to the brink of a government shutdown, posture for the cameras, and then strike a last-minute deal that leaves taxpayers holding the bag. Meanwhile, families like yours are left anxious about what this political theater means for jobs, services, and the economy. But you shouldn’t have to put up with this. The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act is a commonsense reform that finally puts an end to Washington’s budget games — and gives families the stability they deserve. Here’s how it works: - No more shutdown threats: Instead of grinding everything to a halt, the government will stay open if Congress fails to pass a budget on time.
- Lawmakers stay until the job is done: Congress would be required to stay in Washington, working until the job is done — no recesses, no breaks. That means more accountability and fewer excuses.
- Protection for families: Shutdowns cost the economy billions and rattle financial markets. By keeping the government open, families avoid the uncertainty and higher costs that shutdowns bring.
For you and your family, this means expecting Congress to tackle what truly matters — cutting red tape, reducing inflation, and growing the economy to create better, higher-paying jobs for families like yours.
Here’s what happens instead: As shutdown deadlines approach, often right before the holidays, panic sets in. Instead of passing transparent budgets with input from Congress, Washington leaders cut backroom deals. Instead of passing transparent budgets with broad input, select Washington lawmakers rush massive omnibus bills written behind closed doors. Packed with wasteful spending for special interests, these deals ignore the real needs of the American people. Here’s the worst part: Many in Congress don’t support omnibus bills, but vote for them just to avoid a shutdown. That leaves families stuck with bad deals and higher costs, all because lawmakers refuse to fix a broken process. It also reduces Americans’ faith in their government’s ability to solve our nation’s biggest problems. This act is about holding lawmakers accountable for passing a budget each year, just like families and businesses do. When you sit down at the kitchen table to budget, you don’t get to walk away because it’s hard, and Congress shouldn’t either. We’ll soon share how you can speak up in support of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. For now, take a moment to see how this bill protects families and strengthens our country. 👉 First, watch this short explainer video with AFP’s policy fellow Kurt Couchman as he talks with Hugh Hewitt about how this act works and why it matters: | 
