Congress limits White House construction spending during shutdowns

What it does

This bill prohibits the federal government from spending money on construction or renovation projects at the White House during a government shutdown (lapse in appropriations), except for work directly related to health or safety. The bill is named the BALL Act (Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act) and applies only during periods when Congress has not appropriated funds.

Why we flagged it

The bill is a narrow procedural measure that restricts executive-branch discretion to spend appropriated funds on White House construction during government shutdowns. It is not a substantive policy change, appropriation, or authorization — merely a timing and scope limitation on existing spending authority.

What the text implies

• The bill does not prevent the White House from planning, designing, or contracting for construction during a shutdown — only the expenditure of funds. Work could resume immediately upon appropriations resumption.
• The health-and-safety carve-out is undefined and may be subject to executive interpretation, potentially allowing discretionary spending if framed as safety-related.
• The bill applies only to White House grounds and structures; it does not restrict spending on other federal buildings during shutdowns, creating an asymmetric rule.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

The bill imposes a procedural constraint on executive spending during shutdowns but does not directly benefit or harm ordinary citizens. It may prevent wasteful spending during shutdowns (a modest public good), but the restriction is narrow and applies only to one federal building during a temporary fiscal crisis — the civic impact is marginal either way.

Named in the bill

White House, Executive Branch, Congress, Federal Government

Where it stands

14 cosponsors: 14 Democrats.

• Oct 17, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Oct 17, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.