S. 4632 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, May 21, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAutomatic funding to prevent government shutdowns
When Congress doesn't pass a new budget by the time a fiscal year begins, this bill automatically keeps the government running at the previous year's funding level instead of shutting down. It also restricts certain activities—like official travel and congressional breaks—until Congress completes the appropriations process, and it limits what other legislation Congress can consider during this time.
How it affects you
This mainly affects federal employees and Congress. Federal workers would keep their jobs and paychecks flowing even if lawmakers haven't finished the budget process, instead of facing furloughs during a shutdown. Members of Congress would face restrictions on travel, time off, and their ability to work on non-budget legislation until they complete their funding duties.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, May 21, 2026)
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026
This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect.
Specifically, the bill provides appropriations at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year.
The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS. 4632
A BILL
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) · Introduced May 21, 2026 · Economics and Public Finance · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 1, 2026: “Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 424.”