Resolution Calling for End of the Partial Government Shutdown
Adopted at the 87th%20Winter%20Meeting%3A%20Executive%20Committee in 2019
WHEREAS, the current shutdown began on December 23, 2018 and is now the longest shutdown in United States history;
WHEREAS, as Mayors, we are witnessing firsthand how the prolonged shutdown is harming both local businesses and economies and is straining the resources of social service providers;
WHEREAS, roughly 800,000 federal workers-many of whom are federal contractors with no prospect of back-pay-are currently furloughed;
WHEREAS, 300,000 federal workers serving in critical roles with the TSA, Secret Service, and courts, are being forced to work without pay;
WHEREAS, Federal workers at affected agencies have now missed two paychecks-forcing many to forgo paying rent, bills, healthcare, and other essentials;
WHEREAS, critical programs such as food assistance for hungry families and affordable housing will begin to run out in March;
WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development failed to renew over 1,000 contracts for housing support, and Section 8 vouchers are not being funded-threatening thousands of Americans with the risk of eviction;
WHEREAS, the shutdown is causing irreparable damage to our national parks;
WHEREAS, the Senate passed a funding bill to keep the government open without border wall funding in December 2018, and the House has since passed the same bill;
WHEREAS, Mayors support effective and efficient border security measures,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Congress must immediately pass, and the president must sign, legislation to reopen the government.