Economic Impact
From recent government shutdowns
Federal Workers
Affected during shutdowns
Congress Paid
While workers go unpaid
🧭 Mission Statement
The Government Accountability and Continuity Act is a citizen-led movement to end the use of government shutdowns as political leverage.
We believe that when the government fails to function, the people should not suffer while politicians still get paid.
⚖️ The Problem
For decades, both parties have used shutdowns as a bargaining chip — holding up critical services, paychecks, and programs that millions rely on.
- • Federal workers go unpaid.
- • Veterans, families, and small businesses lose support.
- • Yet Congress continues to receive salaries, benefits, and time off while Americans foot the bill.
Shutdowns are not acts of leadership — they are failures of leadership.
It's time to make accountability automatic.
💡 The Solution: The Government Accountability and Continuity Act (GACA)
A modern reform designed to keep the government open, protect the people, and hold Congress accountable.
Section 1 — Continuity of Operations
If Congress fails to pass a funding bill or continuing resolution by the start of a fiscal year:
- • A temporary Auto-Continuing Resolution (Auto-CR) immediately takes effect, maintaining prior-year funding levels for up to 90 days.
- • This ensures federal workers, programs, and essential services continue uninterrupted.
- • Congress retains full authority to amend, replace, or end the Auto-CR through new legislation.
Section 2 — Congressional Accountability
If the government is not fully funded:
- No Pay, No Perks. Congressional salaries and benefits are suspended and held in escrow until full funding is restored.
- No Recess, No Fundraising. Members of Congress cannot take vacation, campaign travel, or fundraise during a funding lapse.
- Transparency. Daily public reports are issued by the GAO showing missed sessions, votes, and economic impacts.
Section 3 — Civic Response Incentive
When the people step up, they should be supported.
- • During any shutdown, verified food, housing, or healthcare donations to registered nonprofits qualify for a 100% refundable tax credit.
- • Credits capped at $5,000 for individuals and $50,000 for businesses.
- • IRS certification through 501(c)(3) EIN validation ensures accountability.
Section 4 — No Political Leverage
Shutdown-ending or funding-extension bills must be clean appropriations measures only — no unrelated riders or partisan amendments.
Funding the government is not a weapon.
Section 5 — Enforcement & Oversight
- • The Government Accountability Office (GAO) publishes real-time reports on congressional attendance, missed deadlines, and shutdown costs.
- • Failure to pass a full budget within the 90-day Auto-CR triggers a pay freeze for all members of Congress for the remainder of the fiscal year.
🔍 Why This Matters
Shutdowns don't punish politicians — they punish citizens.
When the people lose paychecks, security, and services, while Congress continues business as usual, trust in democracy erodes.
This policy restores fairness:
- • Shared accountability.
- • Guaranteed continuity.
- • People-first governance.
🧱 Challenges and Considerations
We acknowledge the real-world complexities of implementing GACA. Here's how we address each challenge:
Constitutional Power of the Purse
Challenge
Article I gives Congress exclusive control over spending.
Solution
Auto-CR implemented as a statutory rule, not executive action.
27th Amendment (Congressional Pay)
Challenge
Congress cannot change its pay mid-term.
Solution
Use escrow withholding — salaries delayed, not reduced.
Complexity of Tax Credits
Challenge
IRS verification challenges for donations.
Solution
Limit to registered nonprofits with EIN and Form 990 reporting.
Political Resistance
Challenge
Members of Congress would have to vote to restrict their own pay and perks.
Solution
Citizen and state-driven Article V Amendment campaign.
Funding Inefficiencies
Challenge
Year-old budgets can't adjust for inflation or emergencies.
Solution
90-day Auto-CR limit with mandatory bipartisan review.
📈 Expected Benefits
GACA delivers tangible improvements to government operations and public trust:
Eliminates Shutdowns
As a political tool, ending their use as leverage.
Protects Services
Essential services and workers continue uninterrupted.
Incentivizes Charity
Civic charity during crises receives tax credit support.
Restores Trust
Public trust through shared accountability mechanisms.
Bipartisan Responsibility
Forces bipartisan responsibility under transparent oversight, ensuring accountability at every level.
🇺🇸 Our Core Principle
The government should never stop working for its people — and the people should never have to suffer for Congress's dysfunction.
✍️ Join the Movement
This initiative starts with citizens. Be part of the change.
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📚 Learn More
Explore our full policy proposal, research data, and legislative framework.
Visit GovOn.org →📢 Spread the Word
Share GACA with friends, family, and your community. Every voice matters.
🤝 Get Involved
- ✓ Contact your representatives
- ✓ Volunteer for outreach
- ✓ Organize local events