An Act making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 7148 is an Act making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The Senate amendment focuses on Division H, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. It amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, extending the funding deadline to February 13, 2026, and addresses a lapse in appropriations that occurred around January 31, 2026.
Expected Effects
The Act ensures the continuation of government operations and services by extending funding. It also ratifies obligations incurred during the lapse in appropriations, providing legal validation for actions taken during that period. This prevents disruption of essential government functions.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued government operations and services.
- Provides stability in funding for federal agencies.
- Ratifies obligations incurred during the funding lapse, preventing legal challenges.
- Allows for payments for personnel pay, allowances, and benefits.
- Protects essential levels of activity to protect life and property.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Short-term funding extensions can create uncertainty for long-term planning.
- May not address underlying budget issues or lead to comprehensive solutions.
- Potential for repeated continuing resolutions instead of regular appropriations.
- Could delay or prevent new initiatives due to funding constraints.
- May not allow for optimal resource allocation based on current needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power of the purse, allowing them to appropriate funds for government operations. The act addresses the need for continued funding, which is a necessary function of government as outlined in the Constitution's preamble to "ensure domestic Tranquility" and "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare."
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).