H.R. 5787: White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act

This bill is known as the "White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act" or the "BALL Act." It aims to control the use of federal funds specifically for construction or renovation activities on the White House grounds during periods when there is a lapse in appropriations, which typically occurs when the government funding authority has not been renewed.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• **Prohibition of Funds**: The bill prohibits any federal funds from being used for construction or renovation projects in the White House or on its grounds during any lapse in appropriations.
• **Exceptions**: The only exceptions to this prohibition would be for construction or renovation activities that are directly related to health or safety issues. This means if a project involves maintaining safety standards or addressing health hazards, it could still proceed even during a funding lapse.

Purpose of the Bill

The intention behind the bill is to ensure that taxpayer money is not spent on improvements or expansions of the White House during times when the government is not funded, which can be seen as a time of fiscal restraint. It emphasizes accountability in how federal resources are allocated, particularly in situations where there might be a delay or interruption in government appropriations.

Impact on Federal Operations

If passed, this legislation would set a clear guideline for federal spending related to the White House, meaning that any planned construction or renovation projects would need to be evaluated for their compliance with this new restriction during funding lapses. This could potentially delay upcoming projects or lead to a reassessment of priorities regarding what constitutes a health or safety-related necessity.

Relevant Companies