Key facts
- Senators James Lankford and Maggie Hassan propose the "Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026."
- The bill aims to prevent government shutdowns by ensuring federal workers and programs continue to be funded.
- If Congress fails to pass appropriation bills on time, an automatic Continuing Resolution (CR) would take effect.
- Members of Congress and their staff would be required to stay in Washington D.C. and debate until a budget is passed.
- The proposed legislation aims to shift the pressure and pain of shutdowns from the American people to Congress.
Senators James Lankford and Maggie Hassan have introduced a bipartisan proposal, the "Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026," aimed at ending the recurring cycle of government shutdowns. They argue that these shutdowns have significant negative consequences, including an $11 billion cost from the last shutdown, disruptions to essential services like airport security and air traffic control, and delays in benefits for veterans and seniors. The proposed legislation would automatically enact a Continuing Resolution (CR) if Congress fails to pass the 12 annual appropriation bills on time. However, a key provision requires members of Congress and their staff to remain in Washington D.C., voting seven days a week, and exclusively debating appropriation bills until a budget impasse is resolved. This measure is designed to place the pressure and inconvenience of a shutdown directly on lawmakers, rather than on federal employees and the general public. The senators note that a similar bill narrowly failed to pass in the previous session, falling short by just three votes, and that a growing number of lawmakers in both chambers are seeking to end this "destructive, chaotic style of politics."