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Congress needs to be accountable for government shutdown

The White House is seen under a cloudy sky Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Washington. The White House says President Donald Trump has spoken with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate GOP Whip John Cornyn on the second day of a government shutdown. The White House put out a brief statement Sunday detailing the president's activities, saying the administration was hard at work. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The White House is seen under a cloudy sky Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Washington. The White House says President Donald Trump has spoken with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate GOP Whip John Cornyn on the second day of a government shutdown. The White House put out a brief statement Sunday detailing the president's activities, saying the administration was hard at work. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ALEX BRANDON Associated Press

A government shutdown from Congress' failure to pass a budget brings significant hurt and hardship to millions of Americans, while Congress is immune from such harms.

It is time to place the needs of the people of America above political party wars and finger pointing.

Congress needs to be accountable.

America would have on-time annual budgets if the members of Congress were to forfeit their right to be re-elected to Congress if they fail to produce a timely budget.

Congress, please remember who you serve.

Michael McCullough, Fresno

This story was originally published January 23, 2018 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Congress needs to be accountable for government shutdown."

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