U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, a longtime resident of Butler County, says he’s reintroducing legislation aimed at preventing future federal government shutdowns. Grassley says partisan gridlock has too often left critical government services in limbo, forcing Congress to rely on temporary funding measures. His Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would require lawmakers to remain in Washington, D.C., until all must-pass spending bills are completed, limit taxpayer-funded travel for congressional and White House staff, and implement an automatic two-week continuing resolution based on last year’s spending levels if agreements stall.
The bill also restricts unrelated votes until appropriations bills are passed, while allowing certain nominations after 30 days if no deal is reached. Grassley calls the legislation a way to enforce fiscal responsibility, protect essential government services, and stop shutdown brinkmanship. He says taxpayers deserve timely budgeting just as they meet their own obligations each April.
