H.R.1545 - Accountability in Government Efficiency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1545, the Accountability in Government Efficiency Act, directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. This department was established by Executive Order 14158. The report will analyze the effects of the department's actions, including those related to civil service employment, program terminations, and program adjustments, on the long-term interests of the United States.
The report must also assess the department's compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code. The deadline for submitting the report to Congress is December 31, 2025.
The bill aims to provide congressional oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency and ensure accountability in its operations.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased scrutiny of the Department of Government Efficiency's activities. This includes its impact on government operations and its adherence to privacy laws.
Congress will receive a comprehensive report from the Comptroller General, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the department's future and potential legislative adjustments. The public may also benefit from increased transparency regarding government efficiency initiatives.
Ultimately, the bill could result in changes to the department's policies and procedures, depending on the findings of the report.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced congressional oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency.
- Increased transparency regarding government efficiency initiatives.
- Potential improvements in the department's compliance with privacy laws.
- Data-driven insights for future legislative decisions related to government efficiency.
- Greater accountability for actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Potential Disadvantages
- The report preparation could divert resources from the Comptroller General's office.
- The analysis might be influenced by political considerations.
- The report's findings may lead to partisan disagreements in Congress.
- The implementation of recommendations from the report could face bureaucratic hurdles.
- There may be a delay in addressing urgent issues related to government efficiency while the report is being prepared.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principle of congressional oversight, as outlined in Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which grants legislative powers to Congress. By requiring the Comptroller General to report on the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency, the bill enables Congress to exercise its constitutional duty to oversee the executive branch.
The bill also references compliance with section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), which is related to the protection of individual privacy. This aligns with the spirit of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Overall, the bill appears to be consistent with the Constitution's framework for checks and balances and the protection of individual rights.
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).