H.R.153 - Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 153, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, aims to enhance transparency in the allocation and utilization of federal disaster assistance. It mandates the establishment of an online repository to track reporting requirements for recipients of federal disaster funds. This repository will be managed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in consultation with the Treasury Secretary and heads of relevant federal agencies.
Expected Effects
The Act will require federal agencies to submit detailed information on disaster assistance provided, including amounts disbursed, obligated, and used for specific projects. This information must be made available to the public in a machine-readable format within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. The goal is to improve public access to information regarding how disaster relief funds are being spent.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in disaster assistance spending.
- Improved accountability of federal agencies and recipients of disaster funds.
- Enhanced public access to information on disaster recovery projects.
- Facilitation of oversight and identification of potential misuse of funds.
- Better-informed decision-making by policymakers and the public regarding disaster relief efforts.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on federal agencies to collect and report the required data.
- Possible delays in the disbursement of disaster assistance due to increased reporting requirements.
- Risk of errors or inconsistencies in the reported data if guidance is not clear and consistent.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the online repository.
- Potential for the repository to become outdated or incomplete if not properly maintained.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting transparency and accountability in government spending, which supports the principle of responsible governance. While the Constitution does not explicitly address disaster relief, the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) grants Congress the power to enact laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, including providing for the general welfare. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).