H.R. 6023: Government Shutdown Efficiency Act

This bill, titled the Government Shutdown Efficiency Act, aims to streamline certain processes related to federal property during times when the government experiences a lapse in appropriations, commonly known as a government shutdown. Here are the key provisions of the bill:

Authority to Sell Federal Real Property

The bill grants the President the authority to sell any real property owned by the federal government during a partial or full lapse in appropriations. The funds generated from such sales can then be used to pay salaries and expenses for federal employees who are exempt from furlough during this period. Specifically, the bill states:

• The President can sell federal real property.
• Funds from the sale can be used for salaries and expenses of certain exempted federal employees.

Definition of "Excepted from Furlough"

Work done by federal officers or employees concerning the sale of real property will be classified as essential, thus exempting them from furlough. This includes any actions taken to facilitate the sale and management of properties during the government shutdown.

Backpay Regulations

Federal employees who receive salaries during a lapse in appropriations due to these sales will not be eligible for back pay once the government resumes normal operations. This is stipulated to ensure that payments for services are not duplicated.

Use of Sales Proceeds

• If any funds are received from the sale of properties after the lapse in appropriations ends, those funds must be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury, specifically for the purpose of reducing the federal deficit.
• There is a specific provision allowing the use of these funds for the potential purchase of Greenland by the United States.

Definitions

The bill provides clear definitions for terms used within it:

• Federal officer or employee: This includes members of the Armed Forces who are on active duty during the lapse in appropriations.
• Indian Tribe: Defined according to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
• Property: Refers to real property as defined in the relevant U.S. Code, with exclusions for properties held in trust for Indian Tribes.

Prohibition on Sales to Foreign Adversaries

The bill explicitly prohibits the sale of any federal real property to certain countries considered foreign adversaries. These countries include:

• The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
• The People's Republic of China
• The Russian Federation
• The Islamic Republic of Iran
• Any entity significantly controlled by these countries

Conclusion

Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency of government operations during shutdowns by enabling the sale of federal properties and utilizing the proceeds for operational costs, while also constraining potential transactions with foreign adversaries.

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