Dear Reader,

If the calendar reads September, that means we are facing another looming government shutdown.

Congress is once again threatening to withhold approval of the federal budget for the new fiscal year beginning October 1. Engaging in this annual ritual is not just a terrible way to treat federal workers, it also does a disservice to the American taxpayers.

Among the issues in dispute are deep spending cuts and immigration restrictions demanded by hard-line conservative Republicans, as well as funding for Ukraine favored by moderate Republicans and Democrats. Unless lawmakers can overcome their bickering and approve a set of appropriation bills, much of the federal government will be forced to shut down at midnight on September 30.