S.1619 - Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1619, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, aims to enhance transparency in the allocation and utilization of federal disaster assistance. It mandates the creation of an online repository managed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to publish detailed information on disaster assistance provided by covered federal agencies. This includes data on the total amount of assistance, how much has been spent or obligated, and specific project details.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to greater public awareness of how disaster relief funds are being used. It will also increase accountability for federal agencies and recipients of disaster assistance. This increased transparency could potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster relief efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in disaster assistance spending.
- Improved accountability of federal agencies and recipients.
- Facilitation of oversight by Congress and the public.
- Potential for more efficient allocation of resources in future disasters.
- Enhanced public trust in government's disaster response.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on federal agencies.
- Possible delays in the distribution of disaster assistance due to reporting requirements.
- Risk of data inaccuracies or inconsistencies if reporting guidelines are not clear.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the online repository.
- Potential for misuse of data if not properly secured.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on transparency and accountability in government spending. While the Constitution does not explicitly address disaster relief, Article I, Section 9 requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money. This bill enhances that principle by providing more detailed and accessible information to the public. The bill does not appear to infringe upon 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).