Most federal programs would keep running if Congress misses its budget deadline. They would usually start at 94% of last year's level, then drop more every 90 days. Some benefit programs would still get whatever funding is needed to keep benefits going under current law.
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.
Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025 is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Latest action on S. 499: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people who depend on federal services, federal workers, government contractors, and the agencies that run federal programs. It also matters to states, grant recipients, and people getting certain benefits, because funding could keep flowing during a budget lapse but often at lower levels and with tighter limits on early spending.
Why this matters: This bill matters because it would change the default from a shutdown to automatic temporary funding when Congress misses its budget deadline. That could prevent sudden breaks in public services and pay flows, but it would also slowly squeeze many programs if lawmakers still do not finish the budget. In real life, that means fewer abrupt shutdowns, but also a risk of longer periods of reduced funding and delayed grants.
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.
