White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act; BALL Act
Summary
The "White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act" (BALL Act) aims to prohibit the use of federal funds for construction or renovation on White House grounds during any lapse in government appropriations. An exception is provided for projects directly related to health or safety. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 17, 2025.
Expected Effects
This bill would halt non-essential construction and renovation projects at the White House during government shutdowns. This could lead to delays in planned upgrades or maintenance. However, critical health and safety projects would continue uninterrupted.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures taxpayer money is not spent on non-essential projects during government shutdowns.
- Prioritizes health and safety related construction and renovation, safeguarding occupants.
- May incentivize Congress to avoid government shutdowns to prevent project delays.
- Could lead to more efficient allocation of resources during periods of fiscal constraint.
Potential Disadvantages
- May delay necessary but non-critical renovations, potentially leading to increased costs in the long run.
- Could create bureaucratic hurdles in determining what qualifies as "directly related to matters of health or safety."
- Potential for political disagreements over project prioritization during shutdowns.
- Possible negative impact on workers employed for these projects during lapses in appropriations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional principle of congressional control over appropriations, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The bill seeks to restrict the use of funds during a lapse in appropriations, reinforcing this principle.
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).