Eliminate Shutdowns Act
Summary
The "Eliminate Shutdowns Act" aims to prevent government shutdowns by providing automatic continuing appropriations. It amends Title 31 of the United States Code to establish a process for automatic funding of government programs, projects, and activities in the event of a lapse in appropriations. The bill ensures that funding continues at the rate of operations provided in the preceding applicable appropriation acts, generally for 14-day periods which can be extended.
This act also addresses budgetary effects, classifying them as discretionary appropriation acts for purposes of budget enforcement. It includes provisions for baseline calculations and enforcement of discretionary spending limits under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. The act is set to take effect on September 30, 2025.
In essence, the bill seeks to provide stability and predictability in government funding, avoiding disruptions caused by lapses in appropriations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to prevent government shutdowns by automatically providing funding for programs, projects, and activities when appropriations lapse. This would ensure the continuity of government services and avoid disruptions to the economy and public services. The bill also aims to provide more certainty in the budget process.
It could also reduce the leverage of individual members of Congress to obstruct the budget process, as the threat of a shutdown would be diminished. This could lead to more predictable government operations and potentially improve the government's credit rating.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents disruptions to government services and programs, ensuring continuity for citizens.
- Reduces uncertainty for government employees and contractors, providing stability in their employment and contracts.
- Could lead to more predictable budget outcomes, potentially improving the government's fiscal management.
- May reduce the use of government shutdowns as a political tool, fostering a more cooperative legislative environment.
- Provides a framework for automatic funding, potentially streamlining the budget process.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could reduce the incentive for Congress to reach timely budget agreements, potentially leading to reliance on automatic appropriations.
- May limit the ability of Congress to adjust funding levels in response to changing priorities or unforeseen circumstances.
- The automatic funding mechanism could lead to increased government spending if not carefully managed.
- Could create a sense of complacency regarding budget negotiations, potentially leading to less scrutiny of government spending.
- The transfer of funds between appropriation accounts could lead to unintended consequences or misallocation of resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provision for automatic continuing appropriations could be viewed as an expansion of Congress's power over the purse, as granted by Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The bill seeks to automate this appropriation process under certain conditions.
However, the bill does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision. It is within Congress's power to establish rules and procedures for appropriating funds, as long as it does so through the legislative process outlined in Article I. The bill also includes safeguards to ensure that the automatic appropriations are limited and do not impinge on final funding prerogatives.
Overall, the bill seems to operate within the bounds of constitutional authority, although its practical application and long-term effects on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches would need to be carefully monitored.
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).