Eliminate Shutdowns Act

This bill aims to stop full government shutdowns. If Congress misses a budget deadline, it would automatically keep most federal programs running at last year’s funding level. Funding would renew in 14‑day blocks until a regular budget or a short-term bill is passed, so services don’t suddenly halt . Benefits like SNAP and other mandatory payments would continue at the levels needed to follow current law .

Spending during this time would be tight. Agencies must use only the minimum needed to keep things going and cannot start new programs or fund anything Congress blocked last year. They also can’t make big up‑front payouts or award grants that could limit final budget choices. Agency heads could shift up to 5% between their own accounts, but only with approval and only to cover higher‑priority needs; they must notify the appropriations committees about any transfers .

• Who is affected: People who rely on federal services and benefits; federal workers; grantees and contractors.
• What changes: Automatic, short‑term funding kicks in at last year’s rate during a budget gap; strict limits on new spending and grants; small, approved fund transfers allowed inside agencies .
• When it applies: Starting on the first day a funding lapse begins and ending when a regular or continuing funding law is enacted .