If enacted, HB 5696 would significantly alter the way appropriations are handled at the federal level. It proposes a mechanism where, should appropriations lapse, funding would continue based on the previous fiscal year's levels for up to 14 days, and such periods could be extended if no appropriations bill is passed within that duration. This would ensure that essential government services remain operational even during periods of legislative gridlock, thereby reducing the economic and social consequences of shutdowns.
Summary
House Bill 5696, titled the 'Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023', seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of government shutdowns by establishing automatic continuing appropriations. If a new appropriations act is not enacted at the beginning of a fiscal year, this bill would allow for automatic funding of government programs, projects, and activities for a limited period, ensuring continuity of operations. The bill intends to eliminate the chaos that typically ensues during lapses in funding, thereby stabilizing federal operations and services.
Contention
The introduction of HB 5696 has sparked debate regarding the balance of legislative power and fiscal responsibility. Proponents argue that continuous funding is necessary to ensure government stability and prevent the detrimental effects of shutdowns on the economy and public services. Critics, however, express concerns that automatic appropriations may diminish the legislative branch's oversight and control over federal spending, potentially leading to unchecked government expenditures. The bill's supporters and opponents continue to discuss the implications of these changes on the accountability of government agencies and fiscal discipline.
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025This bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2025. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2025 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on March 14, 2025. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2024 levels. It also includes several additional provisions that increase or decrease funding for various programs compared to FY2024 levels. In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, includingseveral public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs;the National Flood Insurance Program;authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program;the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Cybersecurity Protection System;authorities for DHS and the Department of Justice to take certain actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system;the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;several immigration-related programs and authorities; the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking;the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;the authorization for the U.S. Parole Commission; andthe Department of Agriculture livestock mandatory price reporting program.