Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.428 - Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.428, the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 5 of the United States Code to enhance the authority of federal agencies to provide cash awards to employees who make cost-saving disclosures. The bill seeks to incentivize federal employees to identify wasteful expenses within their agencies. It also mandates increased transparency regarding these disclosures and awards.

Expected Effects

The likely effect of this bill is increased efficiency within federal agencies due to employees actively seeking out and reporting wasteful spending. This could lead to reduced government spending and a more streamlined allocation of resources. The bill also aims to improve transparency and accountability in government operations.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased efficiency in government spending.
  • Enhanced transparency in the use of taxpayer money.
  • Incentivizes employees to identify and report wasteful expenses.
  • Potential for significant cost savings across federal agencies.
  • Promotes a culture of fiscal responsibility within the government.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for abuse of the award system if not properly monitored.
  • Increased administrative burden for agencies to process disclosures and award payments.
  • Risk of employees focusing solely on easily identifiable savings, neglecting more complex areas.
  • Possible resistance from agencies reluctant to change spending habits.
  • The definition of 'wasteful expenses' may be subjective and open to interpretation.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the implied powers necessary to execute the enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to manage government finances efficiently. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The emphasis on transparency and accountability also supports the principles of good governance.

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).