S. 2806 · 119th Congress · Senate
Eliminate Shutdowns Act
Introduced 2025-09-15 · Sponsored by Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] (R-WI) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-09-29): Motion by Senator Thune to reconsider the vote by which cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2806 was not invoked (Record Vote No. 533) made in Senate.
Summary
Would automatically keep the government funded at last year's spending levels whenever Congress fails to pass new spending bills on time. Instead of a shutdown, agencies would just keep operating on autopilot until a real budget passes. The goal is to take government shutdowns off the table entirely.
The Good
Would automatically prevent government shutdowns
Provides that if appropriations bills are not enacted before the fiscal year begins, programs continue at prior-year funding levels automatically. This removes the shutdown threat as a political leverage tool.
Protects federal workers and contractors from political dysfunction
Government shutdowns furlough hundreds of thousands of workers without pay. This bill would ensure employees continue to be paid and services continue to be delivered regardless of congressional gridlock.
The Bad
Removes Congress's strongest incentive to complete appropriations
The threat of a shutdown, however destructive, is one of the few mechanisms that forces Congress to negotiate and pass spending bills. Automatic CRs could lead to permanent government-by-autopilot, with no pressure to make annual spending decisions.
Autopilot funding ignores changing needs
Continuing last year's spending levels does not account for inflation, population changes, or emerging priorities. Agencies would effectively lose purchasing power each year that a proper appropriations bill is not passed.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-09-29
Cloture on Motion to Proceed
Failed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #533
Senate vote by state
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