Can Congress Prevent a Government Shutdown?

Lawmakers returned to Washington this month with just weeks to finalize a 2024 budget deal and avoid a potential government shutdown on October 1. This is not the first threat of an economically damaging shutdown—which is why some members of Congress are working to make shutdowns a thing of the past. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have introduced the Preventing Government Shutdowns Act, which would automatically keep the government open when Congress fails to enact appropriations on time.

Join BPC as we host Sen. Lankford and a panel of experts to discuss this proposal, and more broadly, the need for solutions to the federal government’s endless cycle of shutdowns and continuing resolutions. Former U.S. Office of Management and Budget officials Michael Linden and Margaret Weichert will provide context on how the executive branch handles shutdowns, and how things would change if Congress permanently removed such a threat from the budget process.

SPEAKERS

Opening Remarks

Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH)

Fireside Chat

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)

Panel Discussion

Michael Linden | Washington Center for Equitable Growth & Former Executive Associate Director, OMB

Margaret Weichert | Former Acting Director, OPM & Former Deputy Director for Management, OMB

Moderator

Jack Fitzpatrick | Congress Reporter, Bloomberg