The "Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026" aims to prevent lapses in appropriations and the associated government shutdowns. It establishes automatic continuing appropriations for programs, projects, and activities without enacted full-year appropriations. Terms and conditions of previous funding acts apply, with automatic appropriations available for 14-day periods during a lapse in appropriations. Expenditures for a fiscal year will be charged to the applicable appropriation when available. The bill also imposes limits on official travel expenses and sets procedures for the Senate and House during such periods. It classifies budgetary effects and enforcement of discretionary spending limits, ensuring the continuation of certain functions during lapses in appropriations.
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026
This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect.
Specifically, the bill provides appropriations at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year.
The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.