Tell Congress: Stop Budgeting by Crisis
It’s official: as of 12:01 on October 1st, the federal government has shut down.
Another fiscal year, another looming threat of a government shutdown. It’s become a frustrating, yet predictable pattern: maneuvering, finger-pointing, and last-minute scrambling that leaves federal workers, families, and the economy hanging in the balance. However, this year, Americans are making it clear: they’ve had enough.
A new nationwide survey from Americans for Prosperity, conducted in partnership with YouGov, reveals what most of us already know: shutdowns are unpopular, disruptive, and politically toxic. Nearly half of registered voters oppose a government shutdown, while only about a quarter support one. And the deeper you look, the clearer the message becomes.
An overwhelming majority, or 61% of voters, say shutdowns are bad for Congress’s ability to help the country succeed. In fact, only 16% view a shutdown in a positive manner. That’s not just a partisan divide. It’s a bipartisan rebuke of dysfunction. Voters across the political spectrum—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—see shutdowns not as leverage, but as legislative dereliction.
Here’s the good news: Americans aren’t just unsatisfied. They’re demanding solutions. A staggering 76% support legislation that would require Congress to remain in session until the budget is finished, and only 6% of voters would oppose this. That’s not just consensus—it’s a mandate.
That’s where Senator James Lankford and Representative Jodey Arrington’s Prevent Government Shutdowns Act comes into play. This bill, if enacted into law, offers a simple, powerful fix: if Congress fails to pass an annual appropriations bill on time, members must stay in Washington and work continuously until the job is done. No recesses, no travel, and no distractions. The government continues operating under the previous year’s funding levels, avoiding the chaos of a shutdown while forcing lawmakers to stay at the table. It’s accountability in action.
Shutdowns aren’t just bad policy. They’re bad politics. A government shutdown alienates voters, particularly seniors, who are sensitive to disruptions in government services. And while both parties lean against shutdowns, Democrats are more consistent in their opposition, creating a potential wedge for bipartisan cooperation. For Republicans, embracing accountability reforms like Lankford and Arrington’s bills could be a strategic win, aligning with public sentiment while reclaiming the mantle of responsible governance.
The American people do not support using shutdowns as a bargaining tactic. They want a government that works—not one that weaponizes dysfunction. Members of Congress who emphasize constructive governance and accountability stand to align with overwhelming public opinion. The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act is not just a policy fix—it’s a political lifeline.
It’s time to end the drama, restore trust, and get back to work. Congress should pass the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act—and prove to the American people that they’re in Washington to work on the taxpayers’ behalf.
Take action today. Head to AmericansForProsperity.org to hold your member of Congress accountable to the will of the taxpayer!
This is Emily Greene, State Director with Americans for Prosperity-PA.
