Dear Friend,
Without action from Congress, the federal government will shutdown on October 1st. I want to give you an update on this important issue and provide my perspective, as I have heard from a number of you regarding this topic over the last few weeks.
Our federal government was set up with the primary purpose to defend our country from enemies. This point is at the forefront of my mind every day I represent you in Congress, but it always seems to figure more prominently during these budget crises. When the American people’s representatives cannot govern effectively, it sends a message of vulnerability to our adversaries. There is no shortage of those who seek to do us harm in these very dangerous times.
A short-term continuing resolution is necessary to avoid a shutdown and negotiate a budget deal, but we cannot operate under one that lasts a year. The only thing worse than a continuing resolution is an outright shutdown of the government. Although essential federal employees who volunteered to defend our country such as our men and women in the military, law enforcement and border patrol would still be expected to report for duty during a shutdown, they would be working without pay. This is unacceptable.
As a government “of the People, by the People, for the People," it should be both responsive to the changes of the people and a responsible steward of our hard-earned taxpayer dollars. When Congress passes a continuing resolution, it only continues current levels of spending. This means duplicative or wasteful programs that should be eliminated continue to get funding. Likewise, important programs that need new or additional funding can’t get it.
We don’t need more spending in Washington on autopilot- it wastes taxpayer dollars, hurts small business owners and those approaching retirement, and ill-equips our men and women in uniform. Please be assured I will continue to fight for a smaller, more responsive Washington that gets back to its core principle: provide for the common defense.
Sincerely
Kay Granger
Member of Congress