Prevent Government Shutdowns Act
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act
Plain Language Summary
# Prevent Government Shutdowns Act - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill aims to prevent government shutdowns by automatically keeping the government funded if Congress hasn't passed a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. Instead of shutting down, federal agencies would continue operating at the same funding level as the previous year. The bill also imposes restrictions during this period: it limits official travel, prevents Congress from taking recesses, and prohibits lawmakers from considering legislation unrelated to appropriations until a full budget is passed. **Who It Affects** This bill would affect all federal government operations and employees. It also impacts Congress itself by restricting its normal operations and schedule until appropriations are completed.
Citizens could be affected indirectly, as it would ensure continuity of federal services like Social Security, Medicare, and national defense that might otherwise be disrupted during shutdowns. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Prevent Government Shutdowns ActThis 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.