Efforts to End Government Shutdowns in the United States

For a decade, Americans have witnessed annual government shutdowns. These events disrupt the economy, compromise security, and impact families nationwide.

Shutdowns aren’t mere procedural issues. They have adverse effects across the country. The last shutdown cost the nation over $11 billion. During recent shutdowns, TSA funding cuts led to airport security delays of up to six hours. Air traffic controllers worked without pay, and services for veterans and seniors halted. The Small Business Administration faced obstacles in aiding entrepreneurs, and many families feared the loss of SNAP benefits.

Shutdowns threaten the payment of service members and suggest that U.S. politics can hold the nation hostage. They might seem appealing to some political figures seeking media attention, but they pose real costs to Americans.

Both political parties have caused shutdowns, so both must find solutions. A Senate Republican and Democrat collaborated on a proposal: the “Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026.” This act aims to prevent shutdowns and encourage Congress to complete budget negotiations and full-year funding bills.

The act proposes that if Congress doesn’t pass any of the 12 appropriation bills on time, an automatic Continuing Resolution (CR) keeps federal workers and programs funded at the current levels. Congress members and staff would remain in Washington, D.C., voting daily until they resolved budget issues. Debates would be limited to appropriation bills until completed. This approach shifts the shutdown burden from the public and federal workers to Congress.

Our bill received strong bipartisan support in the Senate but missed passing by only three votes. After experiencing the longest shutdown in U.S. history, support to end shutdowns has grown. Various partisan and nonpartisan organizations, including the American Federation of Government Employees, back the proposal.

Changing Washington’s status quo is challenging, even if it fails. Nevertheless, the current system is clearly ineffective and requires a new resolution approach. While Americans have many disagreements, it’s crucial to end government shutdowns for good.

Democrat Maggie Hassan represents New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate and served as governor of New Hampshire from 2013 to 2017.

Republican James Lankford represents Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate.