End Government Shutdowns Act
End Government Shutdowns Act
Plain Language Summary
# End Government Shutdowns Act (HR 5542) - Plain Language Summary **What it would do:** This bill aims to prevent government shutdowns by automatically continuing funding for federal programs if Congress fails to pass a budget before the fiscal year begins. Instead of shutting down, the government would keep running at 99% of the previous year's spending level for the first 30 days. If lawmakers still haven't passed a budget after that, funding would be reduced by 1% every 30 days until they do—creating financial pressure to reach a deal while keeping the government operational. **Who it affects:** All federal agencies and their employees, as well as the public who relies on federal services, would be impacted.
The bill would fundamentally change how government budgeting works by removing the threat of a complete shutdown as a negotiating tool. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (not yet voted on by the full House). It was introduced by Rep. Andy Barr, a Kentucky Republican, in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
End Government Shutdowns Act This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if any appropriations measure for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the fiscal year begins or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect.For an initial 30-day period, the bill provides appropriations at a rate that is 99% of the rate for the preceding year to continue programs, projects, and activities for which funds were provided in the preceding fiscal year. The bill reduces the continuing appropriations by 1% after the first 30-day period and by an additional 1% for each subsequent 30-day period until the applicable appropriations legislation is enacted.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.