Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB80

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

This bill requires the President to appoint an Inspector General of the National Institutes of Health.

Impact

The introduction of an Inspector General is anticipated to fortify the regulatory framework surrounding federal health research activities. By having an oversight authority, the bill aims to ensure that the NIH conducts its research ethically, efficiently, and in alignment with federal laws. The oversight role can potentially enhance public trust in NIH operations and financial expenditures.

Summary

SB80 aims to establish an Inspector General for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), intending to enhance oversight and accountability in its operations. The bill requires the President to appoint an Inspector General within 180 days of enactment. This move emphasizes the need for independent scrutiny of the NIH, especially given its pivotal role in biomedical research and public health.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for promoting transparency, there are potential points of contention regarding the scope of authority granted to the Inspector General. Concerns may arise around the balance between necessary oversight and the potential for bureaucratic overreach which could hinder the operational efficiency of the NIH. Stakeholders may debate the implications of the Inspector General's office on NIH's autonomy in research initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB915

A bill to require Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation of the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

US HB2445

Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance Act

US HB266

National Lighthouse Museum Act This bill grants a federal charter to the National Lighthouse Museum.

US SB1510

GAO Inspector General Parity Act

US HB389

Preventing Opportunistic Returns on Trades and Futures by Officials, Leadership, and Individuals in Office Act or the PORTFOLIO Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees and officials from owning or trading in synthetic assets (i.e., tokenized derivatives). It also establishes financial disclosure requirements with respect to cryptocurrency. Specifically, the bill prohibits federal employees, Members of Congress, the President, and Vice President from owning or trading investments in a security, a commodity, a future, cryptocurrency, or any comparable economic interest acquired through synthetic means, such as through a derivative. Such investments must be divested through gift or donation, cashing out, or a qualified blind trust. The appropriate ethics office may grant temporary exemptions in certain situations, such as for preexisting complex financial arrangements from which investments cannot be withdrawn, and may assess fees for violations. The Department of Justice may also bring civil actions for violations. The bill also (1) incorporates cryptocurrency and other digital assets into current financial disclosure requirements; (2) modifies the categories and timelines for financial disclosures; and (3) requires agencies, ethics offices, and the Department of Justice to regularly report on violations of this bill and other related requirements.

US SB1627

A bill to require Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation of the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

US HB464

Separation of Powers Restoration Act This bill restricts the ability of the President to exercise certain powers, such as declaring a national emergency. Specifically, the bill terminates all powers and authorities possessed by the President, any executive agency, or any federal officer that derive from a declaration of national emergency. It eliminates any statutory grant of authority allowing the President or any other officer or employee of the executive branch to declare a national emergency, specifying that such power is vested solely in Congress. Furthermore, for each presidential order (i.e., executive order, presidential proclamation, presidential directive, or similar presidential or executive branch instructions), the President must include a statement specifying the statutory or constitutional provision that grants the President the authority to issue the order. It also limits the effect of a presidential order to the executive branch, with certain exceptions, such as if the order cites the specific congressional enactment from which it derives its authority. The bill provides standing to challenge the validity of presidential orders to (1) certain federal, state, and local officials; and (2) persons adversely affected by the order. This bill also repeals the War Powers Resolution, a joint resolution that outlines procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send Armed Forces into hostilities.

US HB2129

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Independent Agencies, National Archives and Records Administration, Office of Inspector General for fiscal year 2024.

US SB1272

Presidential Audit and Tax Transparency Act

US HB727

National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.