Article XXI

This article exists because government shutdowns can disrupt public services, harm workers and families, create economic uncertainty, and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. While Congress has a constitutional responsibility to decide how public money is spent, disagreements over budgets should not cause the government itself to stop functioning. 

This article requires automatic funding mechanisms that keep government operations running whenever appropriations have not yet been enacted, ensuring that essential services, employee compensation, and legal obligations continue uninterrupted. At the same time, it preserves Congress's authority over budgeting and fiscal policy, requiring lawmakers to continue negotiating and approving appropriations through the normal legislative process.

Section 1 — Continuity of Government

The continuity of government operations is essential to constitutional governance, national stability, economic security, and the protection of individual rights.

The United States Government shall not cease operations, suspend its lawful functions, or interrupt the provision of public services solely because appropriations have not been enacted.

Congress shall provide by law for automatic funding mechanisms sufficient to preserve the continuity of government operations during any lapse in appropriations until superseded by duly enacted legislation.

Section 2 — Protection of Public Services and Obligations

No person shall suffer the loss of compensation, benefits, public services, legal protections, or governmental protections solely as a consequence of a lapse in appropriations.

Congress shall provide by law for the uninterrupted administration of governmental obligations during any period governed by the continuity mechanisms established pursuant to this Article.

Section 3 — Duty of Appropriations

Congress retains the constitutional responsibility to enact appropriations and determine fiscal policy.

The continuity mechanisms established pursuant to this Article shall preserve government operations but shall not relieve Congress of its duty to exercise the legislative power of the purse. Nothing in this Article shall be construed to diminish Congress's constitutional authority to determine fiscal policy or appropriations.