Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025
Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would automatically keep the federal government running if Congress fails to pass regular spending bills by the start of a new fiscal year. Instead of a shutdown, federal agencies would continue operating at 94% of their previous year's funding levels for the first 90 days. After that initial period, funding would be reduced by 1% every 90 days until Congress passes permanent spending legislation.
This creates a gradual budget reduction rather than an abrupt halt to government operations. **Who it affects:** All federal agencies and the millions of Americans who depend on government services—including Social Security, Medicare, national defense, air traffic control, food safety inspections, and countless other programs—would be affected. The bill essentially prevents the disruption caused by government shutdowns, which typically furlough federal workers and suspend or delay services. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 499) and was introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) in the 119th Congress. It has not yet been voted on or passed.
CRS Official Summary
Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if an appropriations bill for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect.For an initial 90-day period, the bill provides continuing appropriations at 94% 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 90-day period and by an additional 1% for each subsequent 90-day period until the applicable appropriations legislation is enacted.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.