To advance sensible priorities.
Summary
H.R. 6636, the "To advance sensible priorities" bill, is a comprehensive piece of legislation addressing a wide range of issues, including climate change, cancer research, PFAS contamination, fiscal responsibility, and international relations with Russia. The bill proposes a carbon tax, increased funding for the National Cancer Institute, and sanctions against Russia, among other provisions. It also includes measures related to school safety, voting rights, and support for veterans.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 6636 would significantly alter the US approach to climate change through a carbon tax and investments in renewable energy and infrastructure. It would also increase funding for cancer research and impose stricter sanctions on Russia. Furthermore, the bill would impact election administration, school safety, and support for specific groups like veterans and displaced energy workers.
Potential Benefits
- Climate Change Mitigation: The Market Choice Act (Title I) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a carbon tax and investments in clean energy technologies.
- Increased Cancer Research Funding: The KO Cancer Act (Title II) allocates additional funds to the National Cancer Institute for cancer research.
- PFAS Contamination Engagement: Title III establishes a coordinator for engagement with communities impacted by PFAS contamination from defense activities.
- Fiscal Responsibility: The National Bipartisan Fiscal Commission (Title IV) is established to address long-term deficits and debt.
- Support for Veterans: The Justice for ALS Veterans Act (Title XI) extends benefits to surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS.
Potential Disadvantages
- Economic Impact of Carbon Tax: The carbon tax could increase energy costs for consumers and businesses, potentially impacting economic growth.
- Complexity of Implementation: The bill's numerous provisions and programs could be challenging and costly to implement effectively.
- Potential for unintended consequences: Sanctions against Russia could have unintended economic and geopolitical repercussions.
- Federal intrusion into state elections: The Let America Vote Act (Title VIII) could be seen as federal overreach into state election administration.
- Moratorium Expiration: The Clean Air Act (Section 10301) moratorium expiration in 2039 could lead to regulatory uncertainty.
Constitutional Alignment
Several aspects of the bill align with the Constitution. The establishment of a fiscal commission (Title IV) aligns with Congress's power to manage the nation's finances (Article I, Section 8). Provisions related to national security and defense (Title VI) fall under Congress's authority to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8). However, the Let America Vote Act (Title VIII) could raise concerns about federal overreach into state election administration, potentially conflicting with the principle of federalism and state control over elections, although Congress does have the power to regulate federal elections (Article I, Section 4).
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).