WASHINGTON, DC – Virginia U-S Senator Tim Kaine helped to introduce a measure this week to prevent a potential government shutdown at the end of the month.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kaine says the End Shutdowns Act would initiate an automatic continuing resolution on October 1st if no appropriations bill is passed by that date.

He added it would also stop lawmakers from moving forward with any other legislation, outside of an emergency scenario, until Congress reached an agreement on a long-term spending deal.

Kaine added that government shutdowns have disastrous consequences for federal employees and government contractors and slow down critical government services that millions of Americans rely on.