H.R.3468 - Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits for Families Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3468, the Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits for Families Act, mandates that several federal agencies (Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Housing and Urban Development) certify to Congress that any planned staffing cuts or regional office closures will not negatively impact the provision of congressionally authorized services. This certification must be accompanied by a report detailing how the agency will avoid service disruptions. The bill also requires Inspector General studies to verify the accuracy of these certifications and provides for the reversal of actions if negative impacts are found.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to ensure that government agencies maintain service levels despite potential budget cuts or restructuring. It introduces a layer of accountability by requiring certification and oversight, potentially slowing down or preventing actions that could harm service delivery. The intended effect is to protect beneficiaries and the public from reduced access to essential services.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued access to benefits and services from key federal agencies.
- Provides a mechanism for oversight and accountability regarding agency staffing and resource allocation.
- Protects against potential negative impacts of staffing cuts or office closures on service delivery.
- Requires agencies to proactively plan for and mitigate potential disruptions.
- Empowers Congress with information to make informed decisions about agency operations.
Potential Disadvantages
- May create bureaucratic hurdles and slow down necessary agency reforms or cost-saving measures.
- Could lead to agencies avoiding necessary but potentially impactful changes to avoid triggering certification requirements.
- Relies on self-reporting and internal oversight, which may not always be fully objective.
- The reversal mechanism may be difficult to implement in practice, especially if changes are already deeply embedded.
- The one-year delay before the effective date could allow agencies to implement changes before the act takes effect.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on providing for the general welfare (Preamble). By ensuring that government services are maintained, it supports the constitutional duty to promote the well-being of citizens. The bill also exercises Congress's power of the purse (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7) by requiring agencies to report on their resource allocation and service delivery plans.
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).