H.R.489 - Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.489, the Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025, proposes establishing a commission to review and potentially abolish federal agencies. The commission would develop a schedule for reviewing each agency at least once every 12 years, recommending whether they should be abolished, reorganized, or continued. Agencies performing related functions would be reviewed concurrently to promote efficiency.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment could lead to the abolishment or reorganization of various federal agencies. This could result in reduced government spending and a more streamlined bureaucracy if agencies are deemed inefficient or redundant. Conversely, it could disrupt essential services if agencies are abolished without adequate alternatives or proper consideration of their public need.
Potential Benefits
- Potential for increased government efficiency through the elimination or consolidation of redundant agencies.
- Opportunity to reduce wasteful spending and lower the national debt.
- Increased accountability of federal agencies by requiring periodic reviews.
- Could lead to innovation and better service delivery as agencies are forced to justify their existence.
- May reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and individuals.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption of essential government services if agencies are abolished without proper planning.
- Risk of politically motivated targeting of agencies based on ideology rather than objective performance.
- The abolishment process could be costly and time-consuming, diverting resources from other priorities.
- Loss of expertise and institutional knowledge within abolished agencies.
- Potential for reduced public input and transparency in agency decision-making.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's establishment of a commission to review and potentially abolish federal agencies raises some constitutional considerations. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to create agencies necessary to execute its enumerated powers. The bill's sunset provisions and the potential abolishment of agencies could be seen as an assertion of Congressional oversight and control over the executive branch, aligning with the principle of checks and balances. However, the broad delegation of authority to the commission could raise concerns about the non-delegation doctrine, which requires Congress to provide clear standards for the exercise of delegated 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).