H.R.2221 - Office of Management and Budget Inspector General Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2221, the "Office of Management and Budget Inspector General Act," aims to establish an Office of Inspector General (OIG) within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This involves amending Title 5 of the United States Code to define the OIG's role and responsibilities. The bill mandates the President to appoint an Inspector General for the OMB within 120 days of the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be increased oversight and accountability within the OMB. The OIG would be responsible for investigating and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within the OMB's programs and operations. This could lead to more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and improved government performance.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced oversight of OMB operations, potentially reducing waste and fraud.
- Increased accountability within the OMB, promoting ethical conduct.
- Improved efficiency in government spending and resource allocation.
- Greater transparency in OMB activities, fostering public trust.
- Strengthened internal controls within the OMB, mitigating risks.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic overlap and conflicts with existing oversight mechanisms.
- Increased administrative costs associated with establishing and maintaining the OIG.
- Risk of politically motivated investigations or audits.
- Possible delays in OMB decision-making due to increased scrutiny.
- Limited jurisdiction of the Inspector General to matters specifically assigned under law may hinder comprehensive oversight.
Constitutional Alignment
The establishment of an OIG aligns with the Constitution's implied powers to ensure efficient and effective governance. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, which includes overseeing the executive branch. The appointment of the Inspector General by the President is consistent with the President's executive authority.
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).