S.913 - Return to Sender Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.913, the "Return to Sender Act," aims to repeal and rescind any unobligated balances under sections 70002 and 70003 of the Inflation Reduction Act (Public Law 117-169). The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The Act seeks to reverse specific funding allocations within the Inflation Reduction Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Return to Sender Act would eliminate the availability of funds previously designated under sections 70002 and 70003 of the Inflation Reduction Act. This would likely lead to the cessation or alteration of programs and initiatives that were intended to be supported by those funds. The specific impacts would depend on the nature of the programs affected and how they were intended to function.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in government spending and debt.
- Could allow for reallocation of funds to other priorities.
- May align with different economic philosophies regarding government intervention.
- Could reduce the scope of the Inflation Reduction Act, which some view as economically harmful.
- May lead to increased private sector activity in areas where government funding is withdrawn.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Disruption of programs and initiatives funded by the rescinded balances.
- Potential loss of jobs or economic opportunities in sectors supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Could negatively impact efforts related to climate change, healthcare, or other areas targeted by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- May create uncertainty for organizations and individuals relying on the funding.
- Could be viewed as a politically motivated action that undermines previously agreed-upon legislation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment primarily relates to Congress's power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." This implies that Congress has the authority to appropriate and rescind funds. The constitutionality of the original Inflation Reduction Act itself is not directly addressed by this bill, but the power to repeal or amend existing laws is a fundamental aspect of legislative authority.
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).