Bill > HR5696

This bill, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023, aims to provide automatic continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in the normal appropriations process. The key provisions are: 1. Automatic continuing appropriations: If an appropriation act for a fiscal year has not been enacted, this bill would automatically appropriate funds to continue operating federal programs and activities at the prior year's rate for 14-day increments until a new appropriation act is enacted. 2. Limits on official travel: During periods of automatic continuing appropriations, this bill would restrict travel by certain government officials, with some exceptions for returning to Washington, D.C. or for travel within the National Capital Region. 3. Procedural changes in Congress: The bill would impose various procedural changes in the Senate and House of Representatives during periods of automatic continuing appropriations, such as limits on adjournment and requirements to determine quorum. 4. Budgetary treatment: The budgetary effects of this bill would be classified as discretionary appropriations for the purposes of budget rules and calculations. The overall intent of the bill is to prevent government shutdowns by automatically continuing funding and imposing consequences on lawmakers for failing to enact timely appropriations.