Government Shutdown Accountability

As government shutdowns take effect, both political parties are exchanging blame. House Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced his frustration regarding a new proposal, suggesting it mirrors several temporary funding measures from the Biden administration.

He pointed out, “The choice made by 212 House Democrats and 46 Senate Democrats leads to the perception that non-partisan clean continuing resolutions only come from partisan divides. This current resolution is akin to the short-term funding extensions that nearly all Democrats supported in the past.”

Notably, during the Biden presidency, Congress has adopted temporary funding measures 13 times.

Historical Background of Funding Measures

1. September 2021

On September 30, 2021, lawmakers passed HR 5305, a law providing emergency funding to avert a shutdown. This legislation not only increased funding levels but also allocated relief for natural disasters and addressed the influx of evacuees from Afghanistan following the chaotic withdrawal.

2. December 2021

In December 2021, the House approved HR 6119, which built upon previous temporary funding strategies. This law supported several agencies involved with Afghan displaced individuals, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State.

3. February 2022

The following month, HR 6617 was enacted, continuing the trend of extending funding at FY2021 levels, with select exceptions. This law also included measures allowing the President to respond to unforeseen emergencies.

4. March 2022

In March 2022, the extension of the Continuous Budget Act, known as HR 75, was briefly in effect, requiring action before its expiration. Just prior to this deadline, Biden signed the Integrated Budget Act of 2022.

Legislative Trends

5. September 2022

Another significant bill, HR 6833, which established the 2023 Continuous Budget Act, allowed federal agencies to continue operations until December 16, 2023. This legislation also provided funding to support Ukraine and assist victims of the Hermit/Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico.

6. December 2022

HR 1437, part of the Continuous Expenditures and Expansion Act, extended certain provisions but many were set to expire in late December 2022.

7. Additional Extensions

Further extensions were made through HR 4373, which secured agencies’ funding until December 30, 2022. This marked the final suspension law of 2023, leading to the omnibus bill that funded the government until September 30, 2023.

Current Developments

8. September 2023

Recently, Congress dealt with HR 5860, continuing budget provisions into November 2023 while also facilitating disaster relief funding.

9. November 2023

This was followed by HR 6363, ensuring ongoing budget support for federal agencies, with various sections expiring at different times up to early 2024.

10. January 2024

To further prevent government closures, the Additional Continuous Expenditures Act, signed in January 2024, allowed for more time to negotiate without drastic policy changes.

11. March 2024

Subsequently, HR 7463 extended existing appropriations and clarified eligibility requirements for federal student aid. This was a part of a series of budget laws leading to the Integrated Budget Act later signed by the President.

12. Long-term Planning Efforts

Lastly, HR 9747, established in September 2024, aimed at sustaining federal funding through fiscal year 2025 and included additional resources for the Secret Service and various federal programs.

13. Concluding Remarks

Moving forward, the government will remain poised for further negotiations around funding measures to address both immediate needs and long-term fiscal goals.