Cliff Stearns: “I have here a Congressional Research report. It shows we shut the Government down 17 times since 1972. Even under the…”

“I have here a Congressional Research report. It shows we shut the Government down 17 times since 1972. Even under the Carter administration in 1978 we shut it down three times. This was when the Congress was controlled by the Democrat Party. We need this Gekas insurance to prevent another Government shutdown. All Members should realize that this bill sunsets in 1998. What is the big deal? We are going to try and use it as insurance to protect veterans, the elderly, military and Government employees, and others who depend on continued payment. I would say to the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] that even in the State of Wisconsin, his State has a law which automatically maintains government operations in the next fiscal year, automatically. So basically we get great ideas from the States, including the State of Wisconsin. I'm surprised he would be against this amendment. I would say to the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey], the ranking member, it is good insurance. It does not cut or increase any funds. It is just insurance for the American people. It does not preclude Congress from passing additional resolutions. It has bipartisan support. Lastly, it is supported by the Citizens Against Government Waste, the Federal Managers Association, the Americans for Tax Reform, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Concord Coalition, all of these are bipartisan groups. I urge support.”