Congressman Kean co-sponsors the Keep America Open Act to avoid government shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) Wednesday co-sponsored the bipartisan “Keep America Open Act,” H.R. 5672.

This bipartisan legislation proposes a four-step process to fund the federal government and avoid a shutdown ahead of the September 30, 2023 fiscal deadline.

The bill includes: 

• A Continuing Resolution (CR), which provides stopgap, temporary funding for government operations, through 1/11/24. This would give Congress time to pass all 12 appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year. The CR also includes funding for Ukraine, with transparency, and federal disaster response along with increased border security.
• Pass all 12 appropriations bills that adhere to the funding levels agreed to in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
• Adopt appropriations process reforms to increase process transparency, restore regular order and prevent excessive use of temporary, stopgap funding.
• Implement mechanisms to address the long-term debt and deficit.

“I am joining Republicans and Democrats to introduce the Keep America Open Act in the House. This is about finding common ground and delivering meaningful solutions for the American people. Our main goals are clear; avoid a government shutdown, support Ukraine, deliver disaster relief, address the need for border security, and seek to pass funding for the upcoming fiscal year by 1/11/24. We also recognize the need for long-term appropriations, debt, and deficit reforms. By implementing these measures, we can secure a more sustainable and responsible fiscal future for our nation. I am confident that by bringing both parties together, we can achieve these goals and deliver results that benefit all Americans,” Kean said.

The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-four Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.