What does Preamble of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 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 outlines procedures and consequences related to the failure to enact appropriations. It seeks to establish a period of continuing appropriations should a lapse occur.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026.

What does AUTOMATIC CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS. of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 do?

This section amends chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, by adding Section 1311 regarding automatic continuing appropriations. It defines 'lapse in appropriations' as a period without a full-year appropriation, with prior funding, and no continuing appropriation. If a lapse in appropriations occurs, necessary sums are appropriated at the rate of preceding appropriation Acts for continuing programs, projects, or activities. These appropriations are initially available for 14 calendar days, with extensions of an additional 14 calendar days if the lapse continues. For entitlements and certain activities like the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, funding is at the rate necessary to maintain program levels. Expenditures under this section are charged to the applicable appropriation when an appropriation or continuing appropriation Act is enacted. The section allows use of funds without regard to apportionment time limitations, but does not waive other laws governing apportionment. For programs with high initial rates of operation or complete funding distribution, such actions are restricted to preserve final funding prerogatives. This section does not apply if other laws provide funding or authority for a program during a lapse.

What does TIMELY ENACTMENT OF APPROPRIATION ACTS. of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 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, again with an exception for returning to the seat of government. During a covered period, the Senate and House of Representatives are restricted in the matters they can consider, generally limiting proceedings to appropriation measures, quorum calls, debt limit bills, and certain nominations or extensions of program authorizations after 30 days. The rules regarding proceedings in the Senate and House also restrict recesses and adjournments to a maximum of 23 hours and require daily quorum checks.

What does BUDGETARY EFFECTS. of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 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 under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. For baseline calculations, budgetary 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 is required under section 254(f) of the Balanced Budget and Deficit Control Act of 1985 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 of 2026

Last updated: 6/1/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: James Lankford (R-OK)

TL;DR (AI)

In the event of a lapse in appropriations, this bill establishes automatic continuing appropriations at the rate of the previous year's funding for 14-day periods, with possible extensions, to maintain government operations.
During a period when appropriations are delayed, this bill restricts official and campaign-related travel for government officials and limits the legislative agenda to focus on appropriation measures and essential functions.
This bill modifies budgetary rules to treat automatic continuing appropriations as part-year appropriations for enforcing spending limits and adjusts reporting deadlines related to budget enforcement.

119th CongressintroducedHR. 5130(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

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

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