Letter: How to prevent future federal shutdowns
(Eric Gay | The Associated Press) In this Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, photo, Gene Henderson, left, and Brandon Henderson, center, are reflected in a mirror at Angie's Cafe in Fort Hancock, Texas. Gene Henderson, a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran and retired Border Patrol agent who now has a small farm, said the shutdown has furloughed federal inspectors needed to grade his cotton before it can go to market, but he thinks President Trump should continue the shutdown long enough to cement his re-election.
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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