Lankford, Hassan Propose Shutdown Bill With 12-Bill Auto-CR as Congress Faces 7-Day Voting Rule
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Lankford, Hassan Propose Shutdown Bill With 12-Bill Auto-CR as Congress Faces 7-Day Voting Rule
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Summary
Senators James Lankford and Maggie Hassan unveiled the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026, which would trigger an automatic continuing resolution if Congress misses deadlines on any of the 12 annual appropriations bills.
Current-year funding would stay in place for federal workers and programs, while lawmakers and staff would be required to remain in Washington and vote seven days a week until full-year spending bills are finished.
The senators argue the change would shift the pressure of budget impasses onto Congress instead of travelers, service members, veterans, seniors and other Americans affected when agencies lose funding.
Their push comes after the last shutdown cost more than $11 billion and after a prior version of the bill fell three Senate votes short despite bipartisan support.
The proposal reflects a broader effort to end recurring shutdown brinkmanship that the senators say damages the economy, disrupts basic services and undermines confidence in U.S. governance.
If shutdowns are avoided with automatic funding, what new political leverage tactics might emerge during budget negotiations?
How does the U.S. practice of government shutdowns compare to how other major economies handle budget impasses?
Could forcing lawmakers to stay in D.C. lead to rushed, poor-quality spending bills just to end the confinement?
The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026: Bipartisan Reform After a 43-Day Federal Shutdown
Overview
The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026, reintroduced by Senators James Lankford, Maggie Hassan, and Katie Britt after a record-setting 43-day shutdown, aims to end the costly disruptions caused by government funding lapses. The bill proposes an automatic continuing resolution to keep the government running if Congress misses budget deadlines, while also requiring lawmakers to stay in Washington and focus solely on appropriations. This approach has gained broad support from federal worker groups and fiscal watchdogs, reflecting urgent calls for a permanent solution. However, some critics worry it could reduce Congress’s incentive to pass full funding bills.