When Congress fails to pass a budget on time, this bill would automatically keep federal programs funded at last year's levels so agencies don't shut down. Lawmakers and budget staff would be banned from official travel and Congress could only work on spending bills until the problem is solved. The funding renews every 14 days and can't be used to lock in big early-year spending before Congress has made its final decisions.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, House Administration, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Latest action on H.R. 5130: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, House Administration, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Who this affects: Almost everyone who interacts with the federal government would feel some effect from this bill — but the most direct impacts fall on federal workers, program recipients, Congress, and budget staff. Government shutdowns currently harm federal employees through delayed pay and force agencies to halt services. This bill would eliminate most of that disruption. At the same time, members of Congress and their staff would face hard restrictions on travel and their work schedule during any funding gap.
Why this matters: Government shutdowns disrupt real people's lives — federal workers miss paychecks, public services pause, and programs that states and families depend on face sudden uncertainty. This bill would largely prevent those disruptions by making automatic funding the default. But the larger question is whether it changes the incentives that drive shutdown fights in the first place. The travel bans, floor restrictions, and forced sessions are meant to make funding gaps painful for Congress specifically — so finishing the budget stays the priority.
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Keep acting on Modern Action
Compare the broader issue and related bills without leaving Modern Action.
