Sponsors (7)
The bill trades greater short‑term continuity and predictability for federal programs and operations during appropriations gaps against reduced congressional leverage, potential higher short‑term costs, risks of fund reallocation, and added administrative complexity.
Federal employees, state and local governments, and people who rely on federal programs (e.g., SNAP recipients) will see vital programs and services continue during funding gaps through automatic 14‑day continuing appropriations, avoiding benefit and service interruptions.
Small businesses, contractors, grantees, and state governments will face less immediate economic disruption because agencies can make limited transfers and charge expenditures to final accounts once appropriations are enacted.
Taxpayers and Congress benefit from a predictable, limited emergency authority (caps on duration and prohibitions on large initial distributions) that preserves Congress's appropriations role while enabling short-term continuity.
Taxpayers may face higher short‑term costs because automatic continuing appropriations commit federal funds during lapses without fresh congressional approval.
The measure could weaken Congress's leverage to resolve budget disputes—reducing the pressure created by shutdowns and increasing the risk that appropriations impasses persist longer.
State and local governments and intended program beneficiaries risk reduced funding priority because agencies can reallocate up to 5% during lapses, potentially diverting resources from intended programs.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Automatically continues federal funding during lapses in successive 14‑day renewals at prior rates, adds transfer rules and limits on travel/campaign funds and floor business.
Introduced September 4, 2025 by Jodey Cook Arrington · Last progress September 4, 2025
Creates an automatic continuing-appropriations mechanism that keeps federal programs and mandatory payments running during funding gaps by automatically providing funding in initial 14‑day increments that renew while a lapse continues. It requires entitlements and Food and Nutrition Act activities to be funded to maintain program levels, allows limited intra-agency transfers with OMB approval, and includes expedited congressional procedures for correcting anomalies. Places limits on official travel and the use of campaign funds for travel by covered officials during an automatic-appropriations period, and narrows allowable floor business in the House and Senate while setting rules for recesses, daily quorum calls, and when waivers are permitted. The Act takes effect on September 30, 2025.