Definition of insanity seen in federal budget process

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, I, along with other media, received in their inbox a press release from U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) asking the Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to keep the national parks and other public lands open “in the event of a government shutdown.”

My comment to my co-workers was something to the effect that it appears the Republicans were already planning for a shutdown 10 days before the current appropriations bill runs out and the government shuts down … again.

The last shutdown lasted more than 30 days and started in 2018 and continued into 2019.

Since then Congress has usually either issued continuation legislation or approved new appropriation bills.

This is no way to run a government, especially a federal government.

Barrasso wrote, “Your judicious management of FLREA (Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act) fees will protect the millions of people who plan and save for trips to these special places, ensure that gateway communities that rely on park visitation for jobs and economic stability do not needlessly suffer, and sustain the dedicated National Park Service (NPS) employees who rely on a regular paycheck.”

First, the use of the fees, as were used in 2019, was and is likely inappropriate if not illegal. That was the ruling by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. They wrote, “we conclude that Interior violated the purpose statute when, during the shutdown, it obligated FLREA fees for expenses that it would normally charge to [Operation of National Park System] appropriations.”

If it is illegal, as it appears, Barrasso should never have made the request of Secretary Haaland. Regardless, let’s also look at the fact that two weeks before a potential shutdown Republicans are making plans for what seems inevitable.

Second, why are visitors to national parks special. I get vacations may have been planned but everyone should know about a potential government shutdown and since the Congress is planning for it, everyone taking vacations need to also plan for it and plan or rather change plans accordingly.

But, why are we even here. I will tell you why in one word … politics.

Republicans are fighting Republicans and Democrats.

I heard on a media report Tuesday that Rep. Jim Jordan said he hoped there wouldn’t be a shutdown but did not sound like it was possible and said it would be better if instead of actually passing an appropriations bill they passed a continuation resolution for a few weeks. Seriously? It seems like that is the norm when they can’t reach an appropriations agreement, that’s what resulted in the shutdown in December 2018.

So the answer is ‘we know we won’t agree so let’s just keep kicking the can down the road.’

Giving them more time is not an answer. They do the same thing and get the same result … is that not the definition of insanity …

Perhaps instead of playing politics and placing blame, Congress should actually work together and do something good and right for the country, like pass a budget, a budget with no pork barreling, no special interests and not add any non-appropriation legislation to it like they usually do.

It is nice for Barrasso to look out for those working in the national parks, and the private businesses inside the parks, what about the other federal employees. Do they not deserve to be “sustained” and do they not “rely on a regular paycheck.”

If we think about it, we know the answer to that. Congress will get greater pushback and more complaints about the national parks being closed than they will about a regional Forest Service office or Bureau of Land Management office being closed. Forest Service lands will be open as will BLM public lands.

But a government shutdown impacts the public more than just those traveling to national parks on vacation.

What about people waiting on passports to be processed, or those traveling by air. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reported that “during the 2018-2019 shutdown, air travel was strained as a result of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working without pay. Travelers faced longer lines as some TSA agents did not report to work and security checkpoints were closed.”

What about those who depend on certain benefits.

The CRFB reported, “Though funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is mandatory, the ability to send out ‘food stamp’ benefits could be affected by a shutdown, since continuing resolutions have generally only authorized the Agriculture Department (USDA) to send out benefits for 30 days after a shutdown begins. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, the USDA paid February SNAP benefits early on January 20, just before the 30-day window ended, but it would have been unable to pay March benefits had the shutdown continued.”

Plus what about all those furloughed employees and those working without pay. While the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, passed after the last shutdown, assured federal employees furloughed during a shutdown will receive backpay, that does not help them during the shutdown.

My fear is that the longest shutdown on record in 2018-2019, could pale in comparison to the 2023 shutdown. It appears that some on every side are unwilling to compromise.

Let’s hope I am wrong and Congress amazes and surprises us all by doing what is right for the country and passing appropriations bills thinking of citizens over party.