Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced a resolution to pressure the U.S. Congress to avoid a government shutdown. 

“Coloradans don't shut their communities down because of a disagreement, and the Senate shouldn't be allowed to do so either,” said Bennet. “A government shutdown would be disastrous for Colorado – closing national parks, freezing pay for service members, and hurting families and businesses. This bipartisan resolution would make sure senators stay at work to keep the government open and avoid another manufactured crisis.”

“While Iowans are hard at work, Congress should be working for the people. We have a job to do. I’m putting an end to this dysfunctional cycle of government and requiring Senators to stay in town and work together until we get the job done,” said Ernst.

The senators’ resolution would use existing procedural rules to set in motion a constant series of quorum calls and roll call votes until a bill to reopen the government has been signed into law. This would keep senators on or near the Senate floor, forcing them to open the lines of communication and work with one another until the government is reopened. If a majority of senators fail to show up during the shutdown, the resolution directs the Senate Sergeant at Arms to arrest absent senators. Bennet previously introduced a similar resolution in 2015 with former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).

The text of the resolution is available HERE.