Utah Sen. Mike Lee backs bill to prevent future government shutdowns; critics call it a ploy

Washington • Sen. Mike Lee joined several fellow Republicans on Friday to introduce legislation that would automatically fund the government if Congress fails to pass a budget, a measure intended to prevent shutdowns like the current closure that is likely to be the longest in American history.Here’s the catch: If Congress doesn’t pass a budget, the government remains funded but spending will be cut by 1 percent after the first 120 days and then 1 percent every 90 days until the