Rules for immediate action in the event of a future U.S. federal government shutdown.
- All U.S. Senate and House of Representative salaries and allowances immediately terminate.
- All federal funding for congressional office staffs, in Washington and in the members’ home states, immediately cease and such facilities are immediately vacated.
- No federal funding for any expense (travel, housing, health care, etc.) incurred by Congress or the presidency is permitted.
- The president, his or her Cabinet, staff salaries and allowances and taxpayer-supported offices and expenses immediately cease.
- The White House is closed and vacated and all staff terminated.
- None of the above impacted personnel is allowed unemployment benefits or other taxpayer-funded benefits or emoluments, including food stamps and unemployment benefits.
Given these new criteria, a future federal government shutdown is unlikely.
Gary M. Sandquist, Salt Lake City
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