Tuberville and Britt Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Government Shutdowns
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 requires members of Congress to stay in Washington until budget is passed
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt (both R-AL) have reintroduced the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025. The bill will eliminate federal shutdowns by requiring members of Congress to stay in Washington until the budget is passed.
Senator Tuberville stressed personal responsibility. “Where I come from, you stay at work until you get the job done,” he said. “The American people sent us to Washington D.C. to pass a budget, not to go on vacation.” He added that it is time to end “petty shutdowns” and keep lawmakers working until a responsible budget is passed.
Senator Britt also voiced firm support. “Government shutdowns benefit no one and are often used as a political threat to prevent us from reining in spending,” she said. “We must make Washington work again, and this bill is a step in the right direction.”
If Passed, the Bill Would Impose:
- Automatic Continuing Resolutions (CRs)
If Congress fails to pass all 12 appropriations bills on time, a rolling 14-day CR kicks in. It keeps government funding at the previous year’s levels so essential services continue. - Tight Restrictions During the CR
- Lawmakers, their staff, and OMB officials must stay in Washington—even weekends—and cannot leave on taxpayer-funded travel, except a single return flight.
- Recesses or adjournments longer than 23 hours are banned.
- Only votes related to appropriations or mandatory quorum calls may take place. After 30 days, limited exceptions—like Supreme Court or Cabinet nominations—can be considered, but only until these authorizations expire or for up to seven days if a two-thirds vote approves it.
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) leads the effort in the Senate, working with Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) in the House. Support for the bill includes Republican senators John Barrasso, Steve Daines, John Cornyn, Ted Budd, Bill Cassidy, and Marsha Blackburn.
The Act would protect federal workers, agencies, and the general public from the harmful effects of shutdowns. It ensures government services—from national parks to Social Security—keep running without interruptions. uninterrupted. Past shutdowns have delayed paychecks, closed services, and caused economic losses.
Supporters say the plan shifts pressure away from Americans and onto lawmakers. They note it prioritizes public welfare, not political standoffs.
The bill is now entering committee review and debate. If passed, it would reshape how budget deadlines are enforced—replacing shutdown threats with a rule to stay, work, and finish the job.
The full text of the bill may be read HERE.
