Apparently not taking speculation about increased bipartisanship and a quick budget deal for granted, a group of House members and senators today is set to announce the introduction of the Government Shutdown Prevention Act.
The legislators include Senate Commerce Chairman McCain, Senate Appropriations Chairman Stevens, Sens. John Ashcroft, R-Mo., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Spencer Abraham, R-Mich., and Rep. George Gekas, R-Pa.
According to a McCain statement, the bill is aimed at ensuring the federal government remains open in the event of a budget impasse, and "prevents the American people from becoming the unintended victims of stalled negotiations and legitimate debate over budget priorities."
The act would be triggered when the must-do appropriations bills are not signed into law and no continuing resolution is in effect.
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