S.924 - Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.924, the "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025," is a bill introduced in the Senate to provide further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and to address other related matters. The bill is structured into two divisions: Division A focuses on further continuing appropriations, while Division B covers extensions and other matters, primarily in the areas of health and miscellaneous programs. The bill aims to prevent a government shutdown by extending current funding levels and programs for a short period.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of this bill, if enacted, is to prevent a lapse in government funding and the continuation of various programs. It extends the current Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025, until April 11, 2025, providing additional funding for specific areas such as the Department of Defense, FEMA disaster relief, and other federal programs. This short-term extension allows Congress more time to negotiate and pass full-year appropriations bills.
Potential Benefits
- Continued Government Services: Prevents disruption of government services and programs.
- Disaster Relief Funding: Provides additional funding for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, ensuring resources are available for major disasters.
- Healthcare Access: Extends funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and teaching health centers, maintaining healthcare access for underserved populations.
- Medicare Extensions: Extends various Medicare provisions, including increased inpatient hospital payment adjustments and add-on payments for ambulance services.
- National Security: Allocates funding for critical defense programs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Short-Term Solution: Only provides a temporary funding extension, delaying long-term budget resolutions.
- Potential for Inefficiency: Continuing resolutions can lead to inefficient resource allocation compared to regular appropriations.
- Lack of Policy Changes: Does not address underlying policy issues or allow for significant program improvements.
- Uncertainty: Creates uncertainty for agencies and programs that rely on stable, long-term funding.
- Increased Debt: Additional appropriations, especially those designated as emergency requirements, may contribute to the national debt.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the US Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which grants Congress the power of the purse, allowing it to appropriate funds for government operations. The act of making appropriations is a fundamental legislative power. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).