CBO’s Plans in the Event of a Government Shutdown

Because of CBO’s role in supporting the Congress in its constitutional function, the agency has been instructed by the House and Senate Budget Committees that if appropriated funds lapse and normal operations of the federal government are suspended, all CBO staff will be considered “excepted employees” and will continue working through at least October 10. In the context of a government shutdown, “excepted employees” are required to work even in the absence of an appropriation. If there is a government shutdown and it continues beyond October 10, the status of CBO’s staff will depend on the needs of the Congress.

Phillip L. Swagel is CBO’s Director.