The variety of proposals put forth has made it harder for lawmakers to coalesce around one bill amid bicameral talks to keep the government funded beyond a Feb. 15 deadline. At least five different measures have been offered in the House and Senate over the past few weeks.

Proponents are pushing to include a shutdown-prevention measure in any long-term spending deal, and they’re hoping that the negative financial and economic effects of the recent 35-day partial government shutdown are still on people’s minds…

Portman’s bill would would automatically fund the government at existing levels if lawmakers don’t reach an agreement by a spending deadline. Funding would be reduced by 1 percent after 120 days and again every subsequent 90 days if a deal remains elusive.