H.R.824 - Government Office Realignment And Closure Act of 2025; GORAC Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 824, the Government Office Realignment And Closure Act of 2025 (GORAC Act of 2025), aims to evaluate federal agencies and programs for duplicative, wasteful, or outdated functions. It mandates the Comptroller General to conduct evaluations every 10 years, using non-federal auditors, and recommend eliminations or realignments.
The bill requires the Comptroller General to report findings and propose legislation to Congress. Any savings realized from these changes are to be used to reduce the national debt. The bill also includes provisions for the relocation of federal employees whose positions are eliminated.
The Act outlines procedures for congressional consideration of reform proposals, including expedited introduction, referral, and floor consideration, with limited debate and no amendments allowed.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 824 would likely lead to a restructuring of the federal bureaucracy, potentially reducing the size and scope of some agencies and programs. This could result in cost savings for the government, which would be directed towards reducing the national debt.
However, it could also lead to job losses for federal employees and disruptions in the delivery of certain government services. The expedited congressional consideration process could limit thorough debate and public input on the proposed changes.
The long-term effects would depend on the specific recommendations made by the non-federal auditor and the subsequent actions taken by Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced National Debt: Savings from eliminated or realigned agencies are directed towards paying down the national debt.
- Increased Efficiency: Identifying and eliminating duplicative or wasteful programs can lead to a more efficient government.
- Streamlined Government: Consolidation of agencies with overlapping functions can create a more streamlined and effective bureaucracy.
- Regular Evaluation: The requirement for periodic evaluations ensures ongoing scrutiny of government programs.
- Potential for Innovation: Realignment may foster innovation and better resource allocation.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Job Losses: Federal employees may lose their jobs due to agency eliminations or realignments.
- Disruption of Services: Changes to agency structure and function may disrupt the delivery of government services.
- Limited Congressional Debate: The expedited consideration process limits debate and potential amendments.
- Influence of Non-Federal Auditor: The reliance on a non-federal auditor raises concerns about potential bias or lack of expertise in specific areas.
- Potential for Political Manipulation: The process could be used for politically motivated restructuring rather than genuine efficiency improvements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on evaluating and restructuring federal agencies aligns with Congress's power to legislate and oversee the executive branch, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
The establishment of an auditor and the use of subpoenas are consistent with Congress's investigative powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution.
However, the expedited legislative process outlined in Section 3 could be seen as potentially limiting the deliberative process typically associated with lawmaking.
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).