H.R.829 - Fighting Budget Waste Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 829, the "Fighting Budget Waste Act," aims to improve government efficiency by requiring the President and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) annual report on reducing fragmentation, overlap, and duplication in government spending when preparing the annual budget submission. The bill also mandates the Director of the OMB to submit a report to Congress on the Office's findings regarding the GAO's recommendations. This legislation seeks to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability in federal budgeting.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased scrutiny of government spending and potentially more efficient allocation of resources. By formally requiring the President and OMB to consider GAO recommendations, the bill could lead to the identification and elimination of wasteful spending. The required report to Congress would also increase transparency and oversight of the budgeting process.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Government Efficiency: By considering GAO reports, the government may identify and eliminate wasteful spending.
- Improved Fiscal Responsibility: The bill promotes a more responsible approach to budgeting.
- Enhanced Transparency: The requirement for a report to Congress increases transparency in the budgeting process.
- Better Resource Allocation: Resources may be allocated more effectively by addressing fragmentation and duplication.
- Potential Cost Savings: Identifying and addressing inefficiencies could lead to significant cost savings for taxpayers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Bureaucratic Overload: Adding another layer of review could slow down the budgeting process.
- Limited Enforceability: The bill requires consideration of the GAO report, but doesn't mandate specific actions, potentially limiting its impact.
- Political Disagreements: Differing political views on what constitutes "wasteful" spending could hinder effective implementation.
- Potential for Inaccurate or Biased Reporting: The GAO report, while generally objective, could be subject to political influence or methodological limitations.
- Unintended Consequences: Focusing solely on cost-cutting could negatively impact essential government services.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on the power of the purse vested in Congress (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7), as it enhances Congressional oversight of the budget. It also supports the general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting efficient use of taxpayer money. The requirement for the President and OMB to consider GAO reports does not infringe upon any specific constitutional provision.
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).