Prevent Government Shutdowns Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
- Committees
- Budget Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 31, 2025
Bottom line
The bill seeks to prevent government shutdowns by automatically extending funding and imposing procedural and travel restrictions on Congress and OMB during a lapse in appropriations.
What it actually does
This bill establishes an automatic continuing appropriations mechanism that would provide 14-day funding extensions at prior-year levels if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations bills. It also imposes significant restrictions on official travel for Members of Congress, their staff, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) employees, and limits legislative activity in both chambers during such a funding lapse, aiming to incentivize timely appropriations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill would eliminate the disruptive and costly consequences of government shutdowns, which harm federal employees, contractors, and the public. They contend that by making automatic continuing resolutions the default and imposing inconveniences on lawmakers, it creates a strong incentive for Congress to fulfill its fundamental duty of passing appropriations on time.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that automatic continuing resolutions remove the primary leverage Congress has in budget negotiations, potentially leading to perpetual funding at status quo levels without necessary reforms or adjustments. Some may also view the travel and legislative restrictions as an overreach or an ineffective punitive measure that could hinder essential government functions during critical periods.
The bill is relatively concise and clearly structured, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2(a), amending 31 U.S.C. 1311
Automatic Continuing Appropriations
This provision establishes a new section in federal law that automatically provides funding for federal programs, projects, and activities for 14-day periods if annual appropriations acts are not enacted by the start of the fiscal year. Funding continues at the rate and under the conditions of the preceding applicable appropriation acts, ensuring government operations do not cease. These 14-day periods automatically extend if a lapse continues.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for maintaining government stability and preventing the economic and social damage caused by shutdowns. It provides a necessary safety net, allowing critical functions to continue while Congress works to finalize appropriations.
Critics contend
Critics may contend that by removing the threat of a shutdown, this provision diminishes the urgency for Congress to pass full appropriations bills, potentially leading to prolonged periods of funding under continuing resolutions, which can hinder long-term planning and new initiatives.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for government continuity against the desire to maintain pressure on Congress to pass regular appropriations. It aims to prevent the most severe consequences of a shutdown while still creating incentives for legislative action.
Section 2(b)(3)
Entitlements and Mandatory Payments
For entitlements and other mandatory payments, including activities under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, the automatic continuing appropriations are set at a rate necessary to maintain program levels under current law. This ensures that legally mandated payments and critical food assistance programs are not disrupted during a funding lapse.
Section 3(b)(1)
Limits on Official Travel Expenditures
During a period of automatic continuing appropriations, this provision prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for official travel by Members of Congress, their staff, and employees of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Exceptions are made for returning to the seat of Government, travel within the National Capital Region, and travel related to national security events triggering continuity of operations protocols.
Section 3(c)(1)
Restrictions on Legislative Procedures
During a period of automatic continuing appropriations, the Senate and House of Representatives would be restricted in what they can consider. They can only move to proceed to appropriations measures, quorum calls, debt limit bills, or, after 30 days, certain high-level nominations (Supreme Court, Executive Schedule Level I) or measures extending expiring authorizations. Additionally, neither chamber can recess or adjourn for more than 23 hours, and a quorum call must be directed daily.
Section 3(c)(2)
Waiver of Procedural Restrictions
The procedural restrictions on legislative activity (limiting what can be considered, recess/adjournment rules, daily quorum calls) can only be waived or suspended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the applicable House of Congress. Any such waiver cannot be for a period longer than 7 days.
This subsection mandates that the automatic continuing appropriations 'shall be implemented so that only the most limited funding action of that permitted shall be taken in order to provide for continuation of programs, projects, and activities.'
Section 2(g)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for providing guidance on the interpretation and implementation of broad funding authorities, ensuring fiscal prudence. It's not necessarily evasive but requires careful reading to grasp its implications.
Case for: Proponents would argue this ensures fiscal responsibility, preventing agencies from using the automatic funding to expand operations or initiate new projects beyond the bare minimum required to continue existing functions, thereby preserving congressional prerogatives for full appropriations.
Case against: Critics might argue that this 'most limited funding' directive could lead to overly cautious implementation, potentially hindering agencies' ability to respond effectively to evolving needs or maintain optimal service levels, even for ongoing programs, during a lapse.
Estimated impact: This provision guides the operational scope of federal agencies during a funding lapse, potentially limiting discretionary spending and new commitments, but its precise fiscal impact is indirect and depends on agency interpretation.
This subsection amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit the use of campaign funds for official travel by Members of Congress during a period of automatic continuing appropriations, with exceptions for returning to the seat of Government.
Section 3(b)(2), amending 52 U.S.C. 30114
Why it matters:This is a technical amendment to an existing law to ensure consistency with the bill's new travel restrictions. It's a common legislative technique to modify related statutes rather than restate entire sections. It is not necessarily evasive.
Case for: Proponents would argue this closes a potential loophole, ensuring that Members of Congress cannot circumvent the official travel ban by using campaign funds for travel that is effectively official business during a shutdown, thereby maintaining the intended pressure.
Case against: Critics might argue that this further restricts a Member's ability to perform their duties, particularly if they need to travel for legitimate official reasons that could be funded by campaign accounts under normal circumstances, potentially hindering their ability to represent constituents.
Estimated impact: This provision would prevent Members of Congress from using campaign funds for official travel during a funding lapse, reinforcing the travel ban imposed by the bill. The financial impact is on individual Members' campaign accounts, not federal coffers.