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H.R. 1537 105th Congress House

Keep the Government Open Act of 1997

Official title: To amend subchapter III of chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code (popularly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act), to allow the United States to enter into co… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To amend subchapter III of chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code (popularly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act), to allow the United States to enter into contracts or obligations during a lapse in appropriations if the President determines that a sufficient appropriation is likely to be made for that purpose before the end of the fiscal year, and for other purposes.

Introduced: May 6, 1997 See on congress.gov
Economics and Public Finance AppropriationsArmed Forces and National SecurityCongressContinuing resolutions
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District of ColumbiaFederal employeesGovernment Operations and PoliticsLabor and EmploymentMilitary payMunicipal employeesSalaries
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This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 9, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.
May 6, 1997
Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.
May 6, 1997
Introduced in House
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 Latest action May 9, 1997

Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Keep the Government Open Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to allow an officer or employee of the United States or of the District of Columbia to make a contract or obligation before an appropriation is made if the President determines that an appropriation is likely for that purpose before the end of the fiscal year in an amount exceeding the contract or obligation.

Allows a U.S. officer or employee to continue to supply personal services before an appropriation or continuing resolution is enacted if the President determines that an appropriation is likely for that purpose before the end of the fiscal year in an amount exceeding the cost to the government. Requires payment for those services even if no appropriation is enacted if the President so determines.

Appropriates funds to pay salaries for each day on which funds are not available (unless an appropriations measure is enacted for the applicable department or agency and the measure makes no appropriation for that salary).

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1537: Keep the Government Open Act of 1997. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1537/
MLA
"H.R. 1537: Keep the Government Open Act of 1997." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1537/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1537, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1537/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1537: Keep the Government Open Act of 1997](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1537/)
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