Lankford, Hassan Revive 14-Day Auto-Funding Bill to Prevent Shutdowns Permanently
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 20
Lankford, Hassan Revive 14-Day Auto-Funding Bill to Prevent Shutdowns Permanently
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 20
Sens. James Lankford and Maggie Hassan are reintroducing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act and want a fast-tracked Senate floor vote after a fresh shutdown left federal workers unpaid.
The bill would automatically extend funding for 14 days at a time during a lapse, while barring lawmakers and staff from leaving Washington, taking recesses or joining overseas congressional trips.
Backers say the measure shifts pressure from federal workers and government services onto Congress, building on Sen. John Kennedy’s newly adopted rule blocking senators’ pay during shutdowns.
Lankford’s 2023 push fell three votes short after most Democrats opposed it, but sponsors now see better odds following unanimous support for Kennedy’s rule change.
The renewed effort comes as Congress is still absorbing fallout from recent 43-day and 76-day shutdowns, including months without pay for tens of thousands of Homeland Security workers.
Could a law preventing shutdowns inadvertently lead to year-long spending on autopilot, removing incentives for fiscal discipline?
With shutdowns off the table, what new high-stakes tactics might emerge in future budget and policy showdowns?
How would this act protect private contractors and businesses that depend on stable government operations?