Locating Every Disbursement in Government Expenditure Records Act; LEDGER Act
Summary
The LEDGER Act, H.R. 4091, aims to enhance the traceability of federal government expenditures. It mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to implement a system tracking all outlays from each appropriation, receipt, or fund account within 180 days of enactment. This system would cover all branches of the government, including disbursements subject to existing requirements.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the LEDGER Act would be increased transparency in government spending. This could lead to better oversight and accountability. It also amends Title 31 of the United States Code to reflect this new requirement.
Potential Benefits
- Improved transparency in government spending.
- Enhanced accountability for government agencies.
- Better oversight of how taxpayer money is used.
- Potential for identifying inefficiencies and waste.
- Facilitates more informed decision-making by policymakers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing the new tracking system.
- Possible delays in government processes due to increased reporting requirements.
- Risk of data breaches or misuse of the tracked information.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on government agencies.
- Possible resistance from agencies due to increased scrutiny.
Constitutional Alignment
The LEDGER Act aligns with the principles of government transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on representative government. While not explicitly mentioned, the power of the purse granted to Congress in Article I, Section 9 suggests a responsibility to ensure proper accounting of public funds. The Act also does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).