Stop the Shutdown Now

As I write this, I’ve never been more frustrated, saddened and, frankly, utterly embarrassed with what’s happening in this city.

No matter what party you belong to or what beliefs you hold dear, America cannot continue this losing strategy of “governing by crisis.”

There are some in Congress who are using anti-government rhetoric and tactics. We at the Project On Government Oversight are not anti-government. While we’re often critical of how government does its business, we hold the core belief that there is a potential for a better, more accountable government. I’ve spent nearly 30 years in Washington advocating for the public interest, working closely with scores of Members of Congress and several different Administrations representing both parties. I’ve found that there are few absolutes here. There are always at least two sides and, usually, many shades of gray in between.

However, in this case, I feel strongly that there is only one immediate step for our Congress to take: Call a vote today and let each member of the House of Representatives vote “yes” or “no” for a “clean” Continuing Resolution to fund our government and keep it running.

We at POGO have committed our lives to our work because we believe in the value of good government. Every minute the government is shut down is another minute where public services, oversight, and accountability crumble -- threatening our economy, our health and safety, and more.

It’s been years and years without a proper budget process -- for which both parties are to blame. This is no way to run a government. First, the government must be restored, and then our confidence that Congress can reach across the aisle and do the jobs entrusted to them. It’s time to end crisis governing.