WASHINGTON – February 14, 2019 – As the funding deadline approaches to avert another government shutdown, the National League of Cities (NLC) urges Congress and the president to approve bipartisan legislation that fully funds the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year. The following statement can be attributed to NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony:
“Our federal leaders must end the political brinksmanship that brings our nation yet again to the cliff of yet another federal shutdown. America’s cities, towns and villages call on our federal leaders to pursue every measure to avert another shutdown and spare our communities unnecessary economic pain.
“The last shutdown cost our economy $11 billion — a loss that will almost certainly result in local leaders needing trim budgets and make hard choices about services their cities can provide. It’s time to move forward and focus on our shared priorities that will benefit the nation, such as rebuilding and reimagining the nation’s infrastructure.”
Congressional leaders are set to vote on the bipartisan, compromise legislation on Thursday, February 14. If the vote fails, the federal government will partially shutdown as funding lapses for federal agencies including the Departments of Housing, Transportation, Commerce and Homeland Security.
To help city leaders prepare for and navigate a potential federal shutdown, NLC has an online resource center that includes city impact stories, federal agency shutdown plans and a federal budget tracker.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.