Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would automatically keep the federal government running at prior-year funding levels if Congress fails to pass new spending bills by the start of a fiscal year. Instead of a government shutdown—which forces agencies to stop operations and furlough employees—this "continuing resolution" would allow agencies to continue functioning at the spending levels from the previous year. The bill also imposes restrictions during this period, including limiting official travel, pausing congressional recesses, and preventing Congress from considering unrelated legislation until the appropriations process is completed. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact federal employees, government contractors, and the public by preventing service disruptions.
It would also affect Congress members by restricting their ability to take breaks and consider non-budget legislation when spending bills aren't passed on time. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on in the House. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX).
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
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, House Administration, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.