Government shutdowns punish the wrong people. Federal workers either work without pay or are furloughed until funding returns, with pay delayed. Millions who rely on government aid programs face uncertainty about the future of those programs. Small businesses that depend on federal customers risk massive delays on critical payments.

This needs to end. It's time to implement a proper safety net, and for Members of Congress to face accountability for their inaction.

• If a federal government shutdown occurs, any member serving during the lapse in appropriations becomes ineligible for reelection. 
• In addition, an Automatic Continuing Resolution would keep agencies funded at the previous fiscal year's level until new appropriations are passed. No new programs would be implemented, but no existing programs would be shut down.

This isn't a partisan issue. We elect representatives to govern without holding the public hostage.

Add your name to this petition to support a constitutional amendment for accountability and a federal ACR to keep the lights on.

Signing shows your representative this matters to you—and that you’ll remember how they vote.