Bill > HR143

This bill establishes a systematic approach to reduce funding and potentially terminate federal programs that have not been formally reauthorized by Congress. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the bill creates a three-year cycle for "unauthorized programs" - defined as programs listed in the Congressional Budget Office's annual report of expired or expiring authorizations. Under this bill, when a program's authorization expires, its budgetary funding will be automatically reduced: first by 10% in the year following expiration, then by 15% in the second and third years. If a program remains unauthorized after three years, it will be completely terminated on October 1st of the fourth year, with the caveat that existing valid obligations can still be recorded and liquidated. The bill provides an exemption if Congress reauthorizes the program during this period, specifically with a sunset provision of no more than three years. The goal is to encourage Congress to regularly review and explicitly approve continued funding for federal programs, creating more accountability and oversight in government spending. The bill aims to incentivize legislative bodies to actively manage and evaluate federal programs rather than allowing them to continue indefinitely without formal review.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/143/all-info