S.1171 - Congressional Oversight to Secure Transparency of Relocations Act; COST of Relocations Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1171, the COST of Relocations Act, mandates that federal agencies conduct benefit-cost analyses before relocating employment positions. This analysis must be submitted to the agency's Inspector General, who then reports to Congress. The goal is to ensure transparency and accountability in relocation decisions, particularly those involving moves out of the National Capital Region.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to make federal agencies more accountable for relocation decisions. It will likely increase the administrative burden on agencies considering relocation. It could also potentially slow down or prevent relocations that are not deemed cost-effective or beneficial.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in government decision-making regarding agency relocations.
- More informed decisions based on comprehensive benefit-cost analyses.
- Potential cost savings for taxpayers by preventing wasteful or inefficient relocations.
- Enhanced Congressional oversight of agency relocation activities.
- Improved employee engagement and stakeholder consideration in relocation planning.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden and potential delays for federal agencies.
- Potential for the benefit-cost analysis to be manipulated to justify pre-determined relocation decisions.
- Possible chilling effect on agency relocations, even when beneficial, due to the added scrutiny.
- The reliance on OMB Circular A-4 (from 2003) may not reflect current economic realities.
- Potential for increased lobbying and political pressure related to relocation decisions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on government transparency and accountability, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate government operations. The requirement for benefit-cost analyses and Congressional oversight supports the principle of responsible use of taxpayer funds. There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions.
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).