Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025
Summary
The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 aims to establish automatic continuing appropriations in the event of a lapse in regular appropriations. This would provide temporary funding for government programs, projects, and activities when Congress fails to pass appropriations on time. The bill also includes measures to incentivize timely enactment of appropriation acts, such as limiting travel expenditures for covered officers and employees during a lapse.
Expected Effects
The Act would likely reduce the frequency and severity of government shutdowns by providing a temporary funding mechanism. It also introduces consequences for failing to enact appropriations, potentially encouraging more timely budget agreements. However, the automatic appropriations are limited to 14-day periods, requiring continuous extensions and potentially leading to inefficient short-term planning.
Potential Benefits
Here are some potential benefits:
* Reduces disruption from government shutdowns: Ensures essential services continue during funding gaps.
* Provides budget certainty: Offers temporary funding stability for government programs.
* Incentivizes timely appropriations: Limits travel and restricts legislative actions during funding lapses.
* Expedited congressional review: Establishes a procedure for reviewing anomalies transmitted by the President.
* Maintains program levels: Ensures entitlements and mandatory payments continue at necessary rates.
Potential Disadvantages
Here are some potential disadvantages:
* Short-term funding: The 14-day extension periods may create uncertainty and hinder long-term planning.
* Limited scope: High initial rates of operation or complete distribution of appropriations may be restricted.
* Potential for agency transfers: Allows agencies to transfer funds between accounts, potentially shifting resources away from congressionally intended purposes.
* Discretionary spending limits: Budgetary resources are considered part-year appropriations, affecting discretionary spending limits.
* Travel restrictions: Limits on travel expenditures may hinder necessary oversight and response to national security events.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." This bill attempts to provide a framework for automatic appropriations, which could be argued as a pre-approved appropriation by law. However, the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and this act could be seen as an attempt to circumvent that power by automating the appropriations process. The expedited congressional review process aims to ensure that Congress retains oversight.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).