Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025
Summary
The "Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025" aims to amend Title 31 of the United States Code to establish automatic continuing resolutions. This would prevent government shutdowns by automatically providing funding for programs, projects, and activities if appropriation acts are not enacted on time. The funding would be provided at a reduced rate, initially 94% of the previous year's level, with further reductions every 90 days.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to avoid government shutdowns, ensuring the continuity of government services and programs. It would also introduce a mechanism for automatic budget reductions if appropriations are not enacted, potentially incentivizing Congress to pass timely budgets. However, the reduced funding levels could impact the operations of various government agencies and programs.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents Government Shutdowns: Ensures continuity of essential government services.
- Provides Budgetary Stability: Offers a predictable funding mechanism in the absence of appropriations.
- Incentivizes Timely Budgets: Creates pressure on Congress to pass appropriation bills.
- Reduces Economic Uncertainty: Avoids the negative economic impacts associated with shutdowns.
- Maintains Essential Services: Allows critical programs to continue operating, albeit at reduced levels.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Funding Levels: Programs operate at 94% of the previous year's level, potentially impacting service delivery.
- Potential for Inefficiency: Automatic reductions may not align with actual program needs.
- Limited Flexibility: May restrict the ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances or changing priorities.
- Impact on Grant Programs: High initial rates of operation or complete distribution of appropriations may be affected.
- Discretionary Spending Cuts: Could lead to across-the-board cuts that are not strategically aligned with national priorities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional principle of ensuring the government's ability to function, as outlined in the Preamble's goal to "insure domestic Tranquility" and "promote the general Welfare." Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill provides a mechanism for funding government operations when the regular appropriations process is delayed, which could be seen as an effort to ensure the government can continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
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).