DIRECT Act Diverting IRS Resources to the Exigent Crisis Today Act
Impact
The consequences of HB1223 are primarily associated with the operational capabilities of the IRS and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. By reallocating resources away from the IRS, the bill argues for prioritizing border security while attempting to stabilize the budget and address immediate enforcement needs at the southern border. Proponents are likely to argue that this will improve national security and ensure that the federal enforcement agencies are adequately staffed to face current concerns regarding immigration and border control.
Summary
House Bill 1223, known as the 'Diverting IRS Resources to the Exigent Crisis Today Act' (DIRECT Act), aims to rescind certain unobligated balances that were appropriated for enforcement activities of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bill proposes redirecting these rescinded funds to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with the intention of enhancing border security by providing the necessary resources for hiring new agents and officers. This legislative move responds to ongoing concerns regarding the management of federal funds in the context of pressing national security issues.
Contention
This bill has ignited debate among lawmakers regarding the appropriate allocation of federal funds and the broader implications of refraining from investing in IRS enforcement capabilities. Advocates for IRS funding might contend that the capabilities for tax enforcement and compliance are essential for maintaining the integrity of the nation's tax system, whereas opponents may view enhancing border security as a more urgent requirement. This divergence represents a classic struggle between resource allocation for domestic welfare versus national security priorities.
Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.