Senators Revive Bipartisan Bill To Automatically Avert Shutdowns
On May 20, 2026, Sens. James Lankford and Maggie Hassan said they will reintroduce the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act to automatically avert funding lapses and keep the federal government open.[1]
Under the proposal, any lapse in appropriations would trigger a 14-day automatic continuing resolution to keep agencies funded.[1] During those 14-day windows, lawmakers would be barred from taking taxpayer-funded travel outside Washington, joining overseas congressional delegations (CODELs), or going on recess.[1]
In 2023, Lankford fell three votes short of passing a similar measure, highlighting the challenge proponents say the renewed bill aims to solve.[1] The reintroduction comes after the Senate unanimously approved Sen. John Kennedy's rule change to stop senators' pay during shutdowns.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 20, 2026, Fox reported Sens. James Lankford and Maggie Hassan will reintroduce the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act.
- The bill would trigger automatic 14-day continuing resolutions during funding lapses to keep the government open.
- During those periods, lawmakers could not take taxpayer-funded travel outside Washington, join overseas CODELs, or go on recess.
- The renewed effort follows unanimous Senate approval of Sen. John Kennedy's rule change ending senators' pay during shutdowns.
- Lankford previously fell three votes short of passing a similar measure in 2023.
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