S 2806119th CongressIntroduced

Eliminate Shutdowns Act

Introduced: Sep 15, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] (R-Wisconsin)

Economy & Taxes

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Eliminate Shutdowns Act establishes an automatic continuing resolution mechanism to prevent government shutdowns when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills by the start of a new fiscal year. Under this bill, if appropriations lapse for any government program, project, or activity, funding would automatically continue at the previous year's levels in 14-day increments until either a full-year appropriation or continuing resolution is enacted. This creates a backstop funding mechanism that keeps the government operating while Congress works to pass regular appropriations, eliminating the threat of government shutdowns due to appropriations lapses. The bill takes effect on September 30, 2025.

Key Points

1Automatic funding trigger: When appropriations lapse, programs automatically receive funding at prior-year levels without requiring congressional action
214-day renewal periods: Automatic funding extends in successive 14-day increments until regular appropriations are enacted
3Limited flexibility: Agency heads may transfer up to 5% of funds between accounts with OMB approval to address higher-priority needs
4Mandatory program protection: Entitlements and mandatory payments continue at rates necessary to maintain current program levels
5Restrictions on new initiatives: Automatic funding cannot be used to start new programs or resume activities specifically prohibited in the previous year

Impact Areas

Federal government operations: Ensures continuous funding for all federal agencies and programs during appropriations disputesFederal employees: Eliminates furloughs and work disruptions caused by government shutdownsCongressional appropriations process: Removes the shutdown threat as leverage in budget negotiations while maintaining pressure to pass regular appropriationsBudget enforcement: Treats automatic appropriations as discretionary spending subject to existing budget caps and controlsGrant recipients and contractors: Prevents disruption to states, localities, and private entities dependent on federal funding

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