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Funding Gaps and Government Shutdowns: CRS Experts

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Funding Gaps and Government Shutdowns: CRS Experts

November 28, 2017Updated December 21, 2018 (R41723)

In the event of a funding gap, the potential impacts of a government shutdown would depend on a program's or agency's specific circumstances and, furthermore, how relevant law is interpreted. Table 1 provides names and contact information for CRS subject matter experts on policy concerns and legal issues relating to funding gaps and the processes and effects that may be associated with a government shutdown.1 Policy areas that are identified in Table 1 include

  • agencies and programs funded by specific regular appropriations bills;
  • cross-cutting shutdown issues;
  • domestic social policy-related programs and agencies;
  • foreign affairs, defense, and trade-related programs and agencies;
  • general government-related programs and agencies; and
  • resources, science, and technology-related programs and agencies.

For questions concerning the impact of a shutdown on a specific agency or program that is not listed here, see the contact informationinformation for the listed "coordinators," who will help to identify the relevant subject matter expert. See also the notes under Table 1 for additional CRS resources.

For primarily legal questions, please submit a request to the CRS American Law Division by

calling CRS at 7-5700, or
  • using the "place a request" function on the CRS website.
  • Additional Online and Written Resources

    CRS Website: Appropriations Status Table

    For information about the status of funding for particular agencies and programs, see the CRS "Appropriations Status Table" at http://www.crs.gov/AppropriationsStatusTable/Index. Under the "Regular Appropriations" tab, the left-hand column lists the CRS reports that cover each appropriations bill. The end of each report contains contact information for CRS subject matter experts who cover agencies and programs that are funded by each bill; see a report's "Key Policy Staff" table and list of authors, as applicable. To identify which appropriations bill provides funding for a specific agency or program, see CRS Report R40858, Locate an Agency or Program Within Appropriations Bills, by [author name scrubbed]Justin Murray.

    CRS Reports

    For an annotated list of CRS resources related to the FY2014 shutdown, see CRS Report R43250, CRS Resources on the FY2014 Funding Gap, Shutdown, and Status of Appropriations, by [author name scrubbed]Justin Murray.

    For an annotated list of CRS and non-CRS resources related to past government shutdowns, including the FY2014 shutdown, see CRS Report R41759, Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed]Jared C. Nagel and Justin Murray.

    For general information about the causes, processes, and effects of government shutdowns, see CRS Report RL34680, Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects, coordinated by [author name scrubbed]Clinton T. Brass.

    For information about funding gaps, see CRS Report RS20348, Federal Funding Gaps: A Brief Overview, by [author name scrubbed]James V. Saturno.

    For information about continuing resolutions (CRs) and related historical practices, see CRS Report R42647, Continuing Resolutions: Overview of Components and Recent Practices, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed]James V. Saturno.

    Table 1. Funding Gaps and Government Shutdowns: CRS Experts

      Joel L. GreeneAnalyst in Agricultural Policy

    Legislative Issues

    Name/Title

    Phone

    Email

    Agencies and programs funded by regular appropriations billsa

    Coordinator for Agriculture and related agencies appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Jim MonkeSpecialist in Agricultural Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinators for Commerce, Justice, science, and related agencies appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]Nathan James (Justice)
    Analyst in Crime Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]Jennifer D. Williams (Commerce)
    Specialist in American National Government

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    John F. Sargent Jr. (science agencies)
    Specialist in Science and Technology Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinator for Defense appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Pat TowellSpecialist in U.S. Defense Policy and Budget

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinator for Energy and water development appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Mark HoltSpecialist in Energy Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinator for financial services and general government appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Baird WebelSpecialist in Financial Economics

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinator for Homeland Security Department appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    William L. PainterSpecialist in Homeland Security and Appropriations

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinators for Interior, environment, and related agencies appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Carol Hardy VincentSpecialist in Natural Resources Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]Robert Esworthy (Environmental Protection Agency)
    Specialist in Environmental Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinators for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]Karen E. Lynch (overall/HHS)
    Specialist in Social Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]Jessica Tollestrup (overall/HHS)
    Specialist in Social Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]David H. Bradley (Labor)
    Specialist in Labor Economics

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]Agata Dabrowska (public health)
    Analyst in Health Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]Kyle Shohfi (Education)
    SpecialistAnalyst in Education Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]William R. Morton (Social Security)
    Analyst in Income Security

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinator for legislative branch appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Ida A. BrudnickSpecialist on the Congress

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinators for military construction, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Specialist in U.S. Defense Budget

    Michael J. VassalottiSection Research Manager

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]
    Sidath Viranga PanangalaSpecialist in Veterans Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinators for State, foreign operations, and related programs appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Susan B. EpsteinSpecialist in Foreign Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]
    Marian L. LawsonSpecialist in Foreign Assistance Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]
    Cory R. GillAnalyst in Foreign Affairs

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Coordinators for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies appropriations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Maggie McCartySpecialist in Housing Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]
    David Randall PetermanAnalyst in Transportation Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Cross-cutting shutdown issues

    Congressional operations and congressional procedure

    [author name scrubbed]Ida A. Brudnick (operations)
    Specialist on the Congress

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]R. Eric Petersen (operations)
    Specialist in American National Government

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]James M. Specht (procedure)
    Section Research Manager

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Executive branch operations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Clinton T. BrassSpecialist in Government Organization and Management

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Judiciary operations and budget

    Barry J. McMillion
    Analyst in American National Government

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Legal issues (appropriations law)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Legislative Attorney

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Legal issues (government contracts law)

    Erika K. Lunder
    Legislative Attorney

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Federal grants-in-aid

    [author name scrubbed]
    Acting Section Research Manager

    Federal grants-in-aid Natalie KeeganAnalyst in American Federalism and Emergency Management Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Funding gaps, continuing resolutions (CRs), and congressional budget process

    [author name scrubbed]
    James V. SaturnoSpecialist on Congress and the Legislative Process

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Economic and financial market issues

    [author name scrubbed]
    D. Andrew AustinAnalyst in Economic Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]
    Marc LabonteSpecialist in Macroeconomic Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    National security concerns during shutdown period

    John Rollins
    Specialist in Terrorism and National Security

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Domestic social policy-related programs and agencies

    Coordinators
    (will help identify subject matter experts for unlisted areas)

    Kristin M. Finklea
    David P. SmoleSpecialist in Domestic Security and Education Policy and Acting Division Research Coordinator

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance exchanges

    [author name scrubbed]
    SpecialistVanessa C. ForsbergAnalyst in Health Care Financing

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)

    Namrata Uberoi
    Ryan J. RossoAnalyst in Health Care Financing

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Federal employee retirement benefits (CSRS/FERS)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Katelin P. IsaacsSpecialist in Income Security

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Medicaid

    [author name scrubbed]
    Alison MitchellSpecialist in Health Care Financing

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Medicare

    [author name scrubbed]
    Patricia A. DavisSpecialist in Health Care Financing

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Social Security

    [author name scrubbed]
    Dawn NuschlerSpecialist in Income Security

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

     

    [author name scrubbed]
    William R. MortonAnalyst in Income Security

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Randy Alison AussenbergSpecialist in Nutrition Assistance Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Unemployment insurance

    [author name scrubbed]
    Julie M. WhittakerSpecialist in Income Security

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Veterans benefits

    Scott Szymendera
    Analyst in Disability Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Veterans health care and medical research

    [author name scrubbed]
    Sidath Viranga PanangalaSpecialist in Veterans Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Foreign affairs, defense, and trade-related programs and agencies

    Coordinator
    (will help identify subject matter experts for unlisted areas)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Marian L. LawsonSpecialist in Foreign Assistance Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Department of Defense (DOD) operations

    Michael J. Vassalotti
    Section Research Manager

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    General government-related programs and agencies

    Coordinator
    (will help identify subject matter experts for unlisted areas)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Acting Will R. GarrardSection Research Manager

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Executive Office of the President (EOP)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Barbara L. SchwemleAnalyst in American National Government

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax-related operations

    [author name scrubbed]
    Gary GuentherAnalyst in Public Finance

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Barbara L. SchwemleAnalyst in American National Government

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Clinton T. BrassSpecialist in Government Organization and Management

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Barbara L. SchwemleAnalyst in American National Government

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Resources, science, and technology-related programs and agencies

    Coordinator
    (will help identify subject matter experts for unlisted areas)

    [author name scrubbed]
    Acting Steven M. LevDeputy Assistant Director and Specialist/Resources, Science, and Industry

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Air safety, air traffic control, aviation/airport security, and screening issues

    [author name scrubbed]
    Bart EliasSpecialist in Aviation Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Highway spending issues

    [author name scrubbed]
    Robert S. KirkSpecialist in Transportation Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Food safety issues

    [author name scrubbed]
    SpecialistRenée JohnsonSpecialist in Agricultural Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Nuclear safety issues

    [author name scrubbed]
    Mark HoltSpecialist in Energy Policy

    [phone number scrubbed]

    [email address scrubbed]

    Note:

    a. For information about the status of funding for particular agencies and programs, see the CRS "Appropriations Status Table" at http://www.crs.gov/pages/AppropriationsStatusTable.aspxAppropriationsStatusTable/Index. Under the "Regular Appropriations" tab, the left-hand column lists the CRS reports that cover each appropriations bill. The end of each report contains contact information for CRS subject matter experts who cover agencies and programs that are funded by each bill; see a report's "Key Policy Staff" table and list of authors, as applicable. To identify which appropriations bill provides funding for a specific agency or program, see CRS Report R40858, Locate an Agency or Program Within Appropriations Bills, by [author name scrubbed]Justin Murray.

    Author Contact Information

    [author name scrubbed]Clinton T. Brass, Coordinator, Specialist in Government Organization and Management ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed])

    Footnotes

    1.

    A government shutdown is different from a debt limit impasse. A debt limit impasse occurs if the federal government no longer has the ability to borrow to finance its obligations and runs out of cash to liquidate all of the obligations that would result in federal outlays. For more information about the debt limit issue, see CRS Report R41633, Reaching the Debt Limit: Background and Potential Effects on Government Operations, by [author name scrubbed]D. Andrew Austin et al.