If enacted, HB 5405 will significantly alter the budgetary process at the federal level. The bill mandates that appropriations for programs will automatically continue at specified levels if a new budget is not passed. This would effectively set a safety net for federal agencies, allowing them to maintain operations at a defined percentage (up to 94 percent) of the previous year's funding. The impact is poised to reduce uncertainty for federal programs reliant on timely appropriations, which can enhance government efficiency and public service delivery.
Summary
House Bill 5405, titled the ‘Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025’, aims to amend Title 31 of the United States Code to introduce automatic continuing appropriations. The intent of the bill is to provide a financial mechanism that allows for the uninterrupted functioning of federal programs and projects even during periods when regular appropriations are not enacted. This is designed to mitigate the impact of government shutdowns, ensuring that federal services continue to operate smoothly without delays in funding.
Contention
The passage of HB 5405 is expected to bring about discussions regarding the balance of power in budget appropriations. On one hand, proponents argue that automatic continuing appropriations would relieve the cycle of uncertainty that accompanies government shutdowns, thus safeguarding public services. Critics, however, may express concerns over potential overreach and diminished legislative oversight, arguing that it could reduce the effectiveness of budgetary negotiations and accountability, potentially allowing the continuation of inefficient programs without the necessary scrutiny.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.