U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) and other Senate Republicans in reintroducing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025. The bill aims to prevent government shutdowns by requiring Congress to remain in session until all appropriations bills are passed.
“Alabamians sent me to the Senate to work on their behalf and deliver results— not participate in the business-as-usual practices that have led to an unsustainable national deficit and even more out-of-control spending. Government shutdowns benefit no one and are often used as a political threat to prevent us from reining in spending, ultimately continuing the same irresponsible policies that created this mess in the first place. We must make Washington work again, and this bill is a step in the right direction,” said Senator Britt.
The proposed legislation would automatically trigger a 14-day continuing resolution if Congress fails to pass all 12 appropriations bills on time, maintaining funding at previous fiscal year levels. This measure is intended to keep federal services running without interruption.
“We have to change the way Washington spends money. Our debt is now more than $37 trillion. Congress cannot keep avoiding the hard choices to fix it,” said Senator Lankford. “Shutting down the government does not fix the debt problem, it just makes it worse. The best way to finish negotiating the hard issue is to keep Congress in Washington until the budget is finished. That puts the pressure on lawmakers, not on families and important services.”
If automatic continuing resolutions are activated, members of Congress would be required to hold daily floor sessions, including weekends, and would be prohibited from using official funds for travel until appropriations or a long-term resolution is enacted. These restrictions also apply to congressional staff and officials from the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Senator Britt previously cosponsored similar legislation during the 118th Congress. Other cosponsors include Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). In the House of Representatives, Budget Chairman Jody Arrington (R-Texas) leads companion efforts.
For those interested in reading more about congressional action on government funding measures, additional details can be found by accessing relevant legislative resources.
