Rules for immediate action in the event of a future U.S. federal government shutdown.
All U.S. Senate and House of Representative salaries and allowances immediately terminate.
All federal funding for congressional office staffs, in Washington and in the members’ home states, immediately cease and such facilities are immediately vacated.
No federal funding for any expense (travel, housing, health care, etc.) incurred by Congress or the presidency is permitted.
The president, his or her Cabinet, staff salaries and allowances and taxpayer-supported offices and expenses immediately cease.
The White House is closed and vacated and all staff terminated.
None of the above impacted personnel is allowed unemployment benefits or other taxpayer-funded benefits or emoluments, including food stamps and unemployment benefits.
Given these new criteria, a future federal government shutdown is unlikely.
Gary M. Sandquist, Salt Lake City
