Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025

The Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025 would establish an automatic mechanism to keep the federal government operating if Congress fails to pass regular spending bills before a new fiscal year begins. Rather than allowing a shutdown, the bill would provide continuing appropriations at 94% of the previous year's spending level for an initial 90-day period. This would allow federal agencies and programs to continue functioning while Congress negotiates permanent appropriations legislation.

If Congress still has not passed appropriations bills after the initial 90-day period, the bill would reduce spending by an additional 1% for each subsequent 90-day period until permanent appropriations are enacted. This creates a built-in incentive for Congress to reach a budget agreement, as agencies would face gradually declining funding levels. For everyday citizens, this could mean more stable federal services and fewer disruptions from government shutdowns, though the gradual spending reductions could eventually impact the scope or quality of federal programs if appropriations remain unresolved for extended periods.