Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has joined colleagues in reintroducing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, a legislative proposal aimed at eliminating government shutdowns and compelling Congress to remain in Washington until budget work is complete.

“Where I come from, you stay at work until you get the job done,” said Senator Tuberville. “The American people sent us to Washington D.C. to pass a budget, not to go on vacation. I’m proud to join this legislation that would stop incentivizing petty shutdowns by requiring Congress to stay in town until we can do our jobs and pass a responsible budget.”

The bill stipulates that if appropriations are not finalized on time, all members of Congress must remain in Washington, D.C., continuing their work until spending bills are completed. This measure is designed to prevent a government-wide shutdown and ensure essential services continue uninterrupted while lawmakers finish appropriations.

Under the proposed legislation, an automatic continuing resolution (CR) would take effect during any lapse in government funding. The CR would operate on rolling 14-day periods using spending levels from the previous fiscal year. This provision aims to maintain critical government operations without interruption.

While an automatic CR is active, congressional activity would be limited primarily to appropriations matters or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate. After 30 days under the automatic CR, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations could be considered by the Senate floor, including Supreme Court or Cabinet Secretary nominations and narrow reauthorization measures for programs nearing expiration. Any waiver of these restrictions would require a two-thirds vote in either chamber but could not last longer than seven days.

Senator Tuberville serves Alabama as a member of several Senate committees: Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions), and Aging.