H.R.2470 - Congressional Oversight to Secure Transparency of Relocations Act; COST of Relocations Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2470, also known as the COST of Relocations Act, mandates that federal agencies conduct a benefit-cost analysis before relocating employment positions. This analysis must be submitted to the agency's Office of Inspector General, which then reviews the report and submits its findings to Congress. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal agency relocation decisions.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in increased scrutiny of federal agency relocation decisions. Agencies will be required to provide detailed justifications for such moves, including assessments of their impact on stakeholders and the agency's mission. This could lead to more informed decision-making and potentially prevent wasteful or poorly planned relocations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in government operations.
- More informed decision-making regarding agency relocations.
- Potential cost savings by preventing inefficient relocations.
- Increased accountability for federal agencies.
- Better understanding of the impact of relocations on employees and stakeholders.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on federal agencies.
- Potential delays in implementing necessary relocations.
- Risk of politicization of the relocation process.
- Possible limitations on agency flexibility.
- The definition of 'covered relocation' might be too narrow or broad, leading to unintended consequences.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the principles of government transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's structure. Congress's power to oversee the executive branch is derived from Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. Requiring benefit-cost analyses and reports to Congress falls under this oversight function.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).