End Government Shutdowns Act
Summary
The "End Government Shutdowns Act" aims to amend Title 31 of the United States Code to establish automatic continuing appropriations. This would ensure that government programs, projects, and activities continue to be funded even if Congress fails to pass appropriation measures or continuing resolutions on time. The bill seeks to prevent future government shutdowns by providing a mechanism for automatic, albeit slightly reduced, funding.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to prevent disruptions in government services and operations due to lapses in appropriations. It would provide a degree of stability and predictability to government funding. However, it could also reduce the incentive for Congress to negotiate and pass timely appropriations bills, potentially leading to long-term reliance on continuing resolutions at reduced funding levels.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents government shutdowns, ensuring continuity of essential services.
- Reduces uncertainty for government employees and contractors.
- Provides a degree of budget stability, allowing for better planning.
- Mitigates negative economic impacts associated with shutdowns.
- Could encourage more timely budget negotiations by setting a default.
Potential Disadvantages
- May reduce the incentive for Congress to pass timely appropriations bills.
- Automatic funding reductions could negatively impact program effectiveness over time.
- Could lead to a reliance on continuing resolutions rather than regular appropriations.
- The 99% funding level may still cause disruptions for some programs.
- Potentially reduces congressional oversight and control over spending.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is primarily linked to Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The Act attempts to provide a pre-approved appropriation mechanism. While it doesn't explicitly violate the clause, some could argue that automatic appropriations dilute Congress's power of the purse, a core constitutional principle. The bill aims to ensure continuous government operation, which can be argued as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the preamble.
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).