Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill aims to prevent government shutdowns by automatically keeping federal agencies funded at previous-year spending levels if Congress hasn't passed new budget bills by the start of a fiscal year. Instead of allowing agencies to close down when budgets aren't finalized, the bill would maintain current operations continuously until Congress completes the appropriations process. **Key provisions and who it affects:** The bill includes restrictions that would take effect when appropriations are delayed: it limits official travel for government employees, prevents Congress from taking recesses or breaks, and restricts lawmakers from considering non-budget legislation.
These measures would apply across all federal agencies and programs that received funding in the prior year, affecting federal employees and the services the government provides to the public. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2721 in the Senate), meaning it hasn't been debated or voted on by the full Congress yet. It was introduced by Senator James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma.
CRS Official Summary
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year.The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.