U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has joined colleagues in reintroducing legislation aimed at preventing government shutdowns and forcing lawmakers to complete the budget process before leaving Washington.

According to a news release, The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would require Congress to remain in session until spending bills are finalized, while keeping the government open through automatic short-term funding extensions.

“Where I come from, you stay at work until you get the job done,” Tuberville said in the release. “The American people sent us to Washington D.C. to pass a budget, not to go on vacation. I’m proud to join this legislation that would stop incentivizing petty shutdowns by requiring Congress to stay in town until we can do our jobs and pass a responsible budget.”

The proposal calls for an automatic continuing resolution if lawmakers fail to pass appropriations bills on time. Funding would be extended in rolling 14-day increments at current spending levels until Congress completes its work. Essential services would continue, and federal employees would not face the disruption of a shutdown.

The measure also places restrictions on lawmakers and staff during the automatic resolution period. Members of Congress, White House budget officials, and staff would lose access to taxpayer-funded travel allowances, except for one return flight to Washington. Official funds could not be used for congressional or staff delegation trips abroad, and campaign accounts could not be tapped for official travel or duties.

The bill further limits procedural maneuvers. Neither the House nor Senate could recess or adjourn for longer than 23 hours. No other votes would be allowed except for appropriations bills or quorum calls, though after 30 days the Senate could consider certain nominations, such as Supreme Court justices or Cabinet secretaries, and narrowly tailored reauthorizations of expiring programs. Any waiver of the restrictions would require a two-thirds vote in either chamber and could not extend beyond seven days.

Supporters say the measure is designed to remove the threat of shutdowns as a political tactic, while holding Congress accountable to finish the budget process on time.

The full text of the bill is available at www.lankford.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HEN25967.pdf.