To amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to establish certain procedures for consideration of annual appropriation bills, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]
- Committees
- Rules Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 20, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 8380 aims to streamline and accelerate the annual appropriations process by imposing strict deadlines and debate limits, seeking to prevent government shutdowns and improve fiscal predictability.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to impose new procedural requirements for the consideration of annual appropriation bills in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It limits debate on appropriation bills in the Senate to 20 hours and prevents the House from taking extended July recesses until all appropriation bills have passed.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that these reforms are crucial to restoring regular order in Congress, ensuring timely passage of appropriation bills, and preventing the use of continuing resolutions and omnibus packages that lack proper scrutiny. They believe the current process is broken, leading to fiscal instability and a lack of accountability.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that imposing rigid debate limits in the Senate could stifle important deliberation and amendment processes, especially on complex spending bills. In the House, tying recess to appropriations passage could be seen as an overreach that might lead to rushed decisions or political brinkmanship rather than genuine progress.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 1(a), amending 2 U.S.C. 640, new subsection 309(a)(2)
Imposes a 20-Hour Debate Limit on Senate Appropriation Bills
This provision limits the total time for debate in the Senate on any annual appropriation bill, including all amendments and related motions, to a maximum of 20 hours. This is a significant procedural change designed to expedite the passage of spending legislation and reduce the potential for filibusters or prolonged delays.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this limit will force more efficient consideration of appropriations, prevent dilatory tactics, and ensure timely passage, thereby reducing the reliance on stopgap measures and omnibus bills that often lack proper scrutiny.
Critics contend
Critics may contend that a 20-hour limit is insufficient for thorough debate on complex, multi-billion dollar spending bills, potentially leading to less informed decisions or the inability to address critical issues through amendments, thereby diminishing the Senate's deliberative role.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for legislative efficiency and timely appropriations against the Senate's tradition of extended debate and the need for comprehensive scrutiny of federal spending.
Section 1(a), amending 2 U.S.C. 640, new subsection 309(b)
Conditions House July Recess on Passage of All Annual Appropriation Bills
This provision prohibits the House of Representatives from considering any resolution for an adjournment period longer than three calendar days during the month of July, unless it has already approved all annual appropriation bills under the jurisdiction of its Appropriations subcommittees for the upcoming fiscal year. This creates a strong incentive for the House to complete its appropriations work before the traditional August recess.