Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
- Committees
- Budget Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 4, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to prevent government shutdowns by ensuring continuous federal funding and incentivizing Congress to pass full appropriations bills through procedural and travel restrictions.
What it actually does
This bill establishes an automatic continuing appropriations mechanism that provides 14-day funding periods for federal programs and activities at prior-year levels whenever a lapse in appropriations occurs. It also imposes significant restrictions on official travel for Members of Congress and certain federal employees, and limits legislative activity in both the House and Senate to appropriations-related matters during such funding impasses.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill would eliminate the disruptive and costly impacts of government shutdowns on federal employees, essential services, and the economy by ensuring continuous funding. They also contend that the travel and legislative restrictions would create a strong incentive for Congress to pass full appropriations bills more quickly, restoring fiscal responsibility and predictability.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that automatic continuing appropriations remove the primary leverage point for fiscal conservatives to demand spending cuts or policy changes during appropriations negotiations, potentially leading to prolonged periods of funding at outdated levels. Some may also view the restrictions on legislative activity as an infringement on congressional prerogatives or an ineffective punitive measure that could hinder other critical legislative work.
The bill is relatively short and its core provisions are clearly stated, making it accessible for a reader to understand its main impacts within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2, amending 31 U.S.C. chapter 13.
Establishes Automatic 14-Day Continuing Appropriations
This provision automatically appropriates funds for federal programs, projects, and activities at the rate of operations from the preceding fiscal year's appropriation acts, whenever a lapse in appropriations occurs. These automatic appropriations are for 14-day periods, renewable if the lapse continues, ensuring government functions continue without interruption.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this prevents the economic damage, public inconvenience, and morale issues associated with government shutdowns, ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted and federal employees are not subjected to financial uncertainty.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this removes the primary leverage point for fiscal conservatives to demand spending cuts or policy changes during appropriations negotiations, potentially leading to prolonged periods of funding at outdated levels without sufficient oversight.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for stable government operations and the prevention of public disruption against the legislative leverage provided by the threat of a shutdown, which is often used to force budget agreements or policy changes.
Section 2(i) of the new 31 U.S.C. 1311.
Agency Fund Transfer Authority During Automatic CRs
During periods of automatic continuing appropriations, agency heads, with the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), can transfer up to 5% of an appropriation account's funds to any other appropriation account within the same agency. This authority is specifically for higher priority activities and cannot be used for items Congress has explicitly denied funds for.
Section 3(b).
Restrictions on Official Travel for Covered Officers/Employees
During a period of automatic continuing appropriations, no funds may be obligated or expended for official travel by Members of Congress, their staff, or employees of the Office of Management and Budget. Exceptions are made for returning to the seat of Government, travel within the National Capital Region, or travel related to national security events. Additionally, campaign funds cannot be used for official travel during these periods.
Section 3(c).
Limits Legislative Activity During Automatic CRs
During a period of automatic continuing appropriations, both the Senate and House are restricted to considering only appropriations measures, quorum calls, reconciliation bills, debt limit measures, emergency declarations, and, after 30 days, certain nominations or expiring authorizations. It also limits recesses or adjournments to less than 23 hours and mandates daily quorum calls. These rules can only be waived by a two-thirds supermajority vote for a maximum of 7 days.
States there shall be an expedited procedure for congressional review and adoption of a joint resolution containing anomalies transmitted by the President.
Section 2(j) of the new 31 U.S.C. 1311.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to include a general directive for future procedural rules, rather than detailing them within the current bill. It leaves the specifics to be worked out by the respective chambers, which is common for complex procedural matters.
Case for: Proponents would argue this allows for necessary adjustments to the automatic continuing appropriations, addressing unforeseen issues or critical needs that cannot be met by the standard funding rate, without requiring a full appropriations bill.
Case against: Critics might argue that without specific procedural details, this provision is vague and could be exploited to bypass the intended restrictions or introduce controversial measures under the guise of 'anomalies,' undermining the bill's intent.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant, as it provides a mechanism to modify the effects of automatic continuing appropriations, but its actual impact depends heavily on the specific expedited procedures adopted by Congress and the nature of anomalies identified.
For programs that would otherwise have high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of appropriations at the beginning of the fiscal year (e.g., distributions to States, foreign countries, grantees), such high initial rates or complete distributions shall not be made, and no grants shall be awarded that would 'impinge on final funding prerogatives.'
Section 2(f) of the new 31 U.S.C. 1311.
Why it matters:This is a common carve-out in continuing resolutions to prevent agencies from front-loading spending or making irreversible commitments that might conflict with the final appropriations bill. It's standard practice to preserve congressional control over ultimate spending decisions.
Case for: Proponents argue this prevents agencies from preempting Congress's final funding decisions, especially for programs that distribute funds early in the fiscal year, ensuring that the ultimate appropriations bill retains full authority over spending priorities and preventing wasteful spending.
Case against: Critics might argue that this provision could delay critical funding to states, foreign countries, or grantees, particularly for programs designed for early-year distribution, potentially disrupting essential services or aid and creating uncertainty for recipients.
Estimated impact: Potentially delays significant federal outlays to various recipients at the start of a fiscal year if a lapse occurs, impacting state budgets, international aid, and grant-funded projects until a full appropriations bill is enacted.