What does Preamble of HR 5870 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To provide for a period of continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations under the normal appropriations process, to establish procedures and consequences in the event of a failure to enact appropriations, and for other purposes,' aims to address potential lapses in appropriations. The bill intends to establish procedures and consequences related to the failure to enact appropriations. It provides for a period of continuing appropriations should a lapse occur.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 5870 do?

This bill is formally titled the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act.

What does AUTOMATIC CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS. of HR 5870 do?

This section amends chapter 13 of title 31 of the United States Code by adding Section 1311, establishing automatic continuing appropriations. If a lapse in appropriations occurs, sums are appropriated at the rate provided in the preceding applicable appropriation Acts to continue programs, projects, or activities. These appropriations and authority are initially available for 14 calendar days, with extensions of an additional 14 calendar days if the lapse continues. For entitlements and mandatory payments, appropriations are at the rate necessary to maintain program levels under current law. Expenditures made under this section are charged to the applicable appropriation when an appropriation Act or continuing appropriation Act is enacted. The section allows the use of appropriations without regard to apportionment time limitations, but does not waive other laws governing apportionment. For certain programs with high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of appropriations, such actions are restricted to avoid impinging on final funding prerogatives. The section is designed to take only the most limited funding action to continue programs.

What does TIMELY ENACTMENT OF APPROPRIATION ACTS. of HR 5870 do?

This section defines terms related to automatic continuing appropriations and travel restrictions for certain officials. It limits official travel expenditures for covered officers and employees during a covered period, with exceptions for returning to the seat of government, travel within the National Capital Region, and responses to national security events. The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 is amended to restrict the use of campaign funds for official travel during a covered period. During a covered period, the Senate and House of Representatives are restricted in the matters they can consider, primarily focusing on appropriations bills and debt limit measures. The rules regarding permissible motions and recesses are modified during a covered period, including daily quorum checks. Waivers of these restrictions are limited to a maximum of seven days and require a two-thirds vote of the House or Senate.

What does BUDGETARY EFFECTS. of HR 5870 do?

This section outlines budgetary effects of the Act. The Act's budgetary effects are to be estimated as if it is a discretionary appropriation Act. For baseline calculations, resources provided under section 1311 of title 31, United States Code, are considered a continuing appropriation for less than the entire current year. Budgetary resources made available under section 1311 of title 31, United States Code, are considered part-year appropriations for enforcing discretionary spending limits. If a report under section 254(f) of the Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1985 is required during a lapse in appropriations, the due date is the later of the date specified in section 251(a)(1) or 30 calendar days after the first day of the lapse.

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Prevent Government Shutdowns Act — HR. 5870

Last updated: 10/31/2025 · Introduced: 10/31/2025

Author: Jodey Arrington (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

In the event of a lapse in appropriations, this bill establishes automatic continuing appropriations for 14-day periods, extendable by another 14 days, to maintain government operations at prior funding levels.
During a period when appropriations haven't been enacted, this bill restricts official travel and limits the legislative agenda to focus on appropriations bills and debt limit measures.
The bill adjusts budgetary rules to account for the automatic continuing appropriations, treating them as part-year appropriations for enforcing spending limits and extending reporting deadlines related to budget enforcement.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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