H.R.1968 - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1968, the "Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025," is legislation designed to provide continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. It extends funding for various government programs and agencies, operating under the framework established by previous appropriations acts. The Act addresses multiple sectors, including agriculture, defense, health, homeland security, and transportation.
Division A provides full-year continuing appropriations, while Divisions B and C focus on health-related extensions and other matters, respectively. The bill adjusts funding levels for specific accounts and includes provisions related to budgetary effects and emergency designations.
This continuing resolution (CR) aims to prevent a government shutdown by maintaining existing funding levels and extending critical programs.
Expected Effects
The Act will allow the government to continue operating without interruption by extending funding for existing programs. This includes maintaining current levels of services and activities across various federal departments and agencies. Several healthcare programs, such as community health centers and special diabetes programs, will receive extended funding.
It also prevents significant disruptions in government services and provides stability for federal programs. However, it does not allow for new initiatives or significant changes in funding priorities.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents a government shutdown, ensuring continuity of essential services.
- Extends funding for critical healthcare programs, including community health centers and diabetes programs.
- Provides stability for various government agencies and departments, allowing them to continue their operations.
- Maintains funding for national security and defense activities.
- Supports ongoing infrastructure projects and public services.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Does not allow for new initiatives or significant changes in funding priorities, potentially hindering innovation.
- May perpetuate inefficiencies in existing programs due to the lack of opportunity for reform.
- Can lead to uncertainty in long-term planning for government agencies.
- May delay or prevent the implementation of new policies and programs.
- Could result in missed opportunities to address emerging needs and challenges.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." This bill is an appropriation law, authorizing the expenditure of funds from the Treasury.
It also aligns with the general principle of Congress's power to legislate and appropriate funds for the operation of the government, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The specific provisions of the Act, such as those related to health and defense, fall within the broad scope of Congress's authority to provide for the general welfare and national defense.
However, the use of continuing resolutions can be seen as a departure from the ideal of regular order in the appropriations process, where each agency's budget is carefully scrutinized and debated.
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).