In House Committee·Last action 201 days ago

Presidents could not issue executive orders during government shutdowns

Officially: TRUMP Act

H.R. 5679 blocks federal funds from being used to create or issue executive orders or presidential memos during a government shutdown. It only applies to future shutdowns and does not affect existing orders.

Where it stands

Sitting in House Committee

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

The bill only kicks in during a lapse in discretionary appropriations, such as certain types of government shutdowns.
It bans spending or obligating federal funds to create or issue any executive order or presidential memorandum during those periods.
It only covers shutdowns that begin on or after the date the bill becomes law.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Transparency and Trust: Supporters argue that increased transparency will lead to greater public trust in government institutions.
Efficiency Improvements: The bill's focus on streamlining processes is seen as a way to improve government services and reduce costs.
Accountability Measures: Proponents believe that stricter oversight will deter misconduct and promote ethical behavior among public officials.

✕Arguments against

Implementation Challenges: Critics argue that the proposed changes could be difficult to implement and may require significant resources.
Privacy Concerns: Some opponents worry that increased transparency could infringe on individual privacy rights.
Bureaucratic Complexity: There is concern that new regulations could create additional layers of bureaucracy, complicating government operations.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (10/3/2025)

OCT 3

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Presidents could not issue executive orders during government shutdowns

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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