Congress·In Progress·H.R. 143

Rep. Cammack Pushes Bill to Automatically Cut Funding for Expired Federal Programs

Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

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Key Points

The bill targets "unauthorized programs" — government activities that continue receiving funding even after their legal authorization from Congress has expired. These are identified through an annual Congressional Budget Office report.
From policy text
“The term ``unauthorized program'' means any program or activity listed in the annual report published by the Congressional Budget Office, entitled ``Expired and Expiring Authorizations of Appropriations'', or any successor report”
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Starting in fiscal year 2026, any program with an expired authorization would face automatic budget cuts: 10% in the first year after expiration, then 15% in each of the second and third years. Programs already expired before 2026 would also be swept in.
From policy text
“such level shall immediately be reduced by an amount equal to 10 percent of the funds appropriated for such program in the expiring fiscal year”
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If Congress doesn't reauthorize a program within three years of its authorization expiring, the program is automatically terminated. No new money can be spent on it unless Congress passes a fresh reauthorization.
From policy text
“Any unauthorized program that causes a budgetary level reduction under section 3(b) applicable to the third fiscal year following the expiring fiscal year shall, effective immediately on October 1 of the fiscal year immediately following such third fiscal year, be terminated”
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Programs can escape the automatic cuts if Congress reauthorizes them, but any reauthorization must include a sunset clause limiting the authorization period to no more than three years, forcing regular congressional review.
From policy text
“Subsection (a) shall only apply if the reauthorization contains a sunset provision applicable to such program providing for an authorization of appropriations period of not more than three years.”
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The bill would affect hundreds of programs across the federal government. According to CBO reports, over $500 billion in annual appropriations currently goes to programs with expired authorizations, spanning defense, education, health, transportation, and more.

Economy FinanceTaxes

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions

Dec 2, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 19.

Dec 2, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jan 3, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 3, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

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Politico Pro·3 months ago

Committee approves bill to cut unauthorized programs

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved H.R. 143, the 'Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act,' which would gradually reduce funding for federal programs lacking explicit congressional authorization. The bill passed 25-19 despite Democratic warnings of 'severe' impacts.

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