Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) have unveiled a bipartisan proposal to prevent a potential government shutdown by introducing legislation that would automatically trigger a Continuing Resolution (CR) if Congress fails to pass timely funding measures. The bill would mandate that lawmakers remain in Washington, D.C., until a short-term funding agreement or full appropriations bills are finalized, effectively forcing the legislative body to prioritize passing budget measures over adjournments or recesses.
Lankford and Arrington argue that the current system allows Congress to delay critical decisions on government spending, leading to the risk of a partial shutdown and placing the financial burden on American families and essential services. The pair emphasized that shutting down the government would exacerbate the nation’s growing debt, which has already surpassed $37 trillion, by reducing funding for vital programs and forcing furloughs of government workers.
The bill would impose strict procedural rules on Congress, requiring that no adjournments or recesses last longer than 23 hours and mandating daily quorum calls to ensure legislative attendance. It would also prohibit the consideration of other legislation until a CR or spending bills are passed, ensuring that the budget process remains the sole focus of Congress. Arrington stated that if lawmakers fail to fulfill their responsibilities, they should face consequences, and the proposed measure would serve as a mechanism to hold Congress accountable.
Meanwhile, the funding debate remains politically charged, with the Senate having advanced three spending bills while the House has only passed two. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed hope that the CR would originate in the House, based on negotiations between House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), but warned that partisan outcomes could jeopardize the bipartisan approach needed to keep the government open.
Complicating the situation is the White House’s recent move to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid funding through a