Partnership for Public Service calls for reforming the broken appropriations process in wake of latest shutdown threat 

November 15, 2023

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier applauding the avoidance of a government shutdown while calling for long-term funding decisions and process reforms.

“While a government shutdown has been temporarily averted, the need for further action to fund federal agencies until Sept. 30, 2024 displays once again that the annual appropriations process is broken and needs reform. Congress must work to fully fund the government for the current fiscal year and take steps to improve the process for the future.

“We know that the American public too often equates our government – which includes agency leaders, civil servants and military service members – with politicians. When chaos in Congress continues to grab headlines instead of the good work millions of career public servants carry out each day, damage to public trust in our most important democratic institution deepens. Such chaotic decision-making in Congress also erodes America’s standing on the world stage at a time of multiple conflicts around the globe while depriving agencies of clarity in funding levels needed to pursue their work.

“Congress must enact reforms to the appropriations process that can stop the regular occurrence of shutdown threats. The status quo is unacceptable, a disservice to the American people and the federal workforce, and a dereliction of duty.”

During the past 22 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees. Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.  

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