Us Congress House Bill HB2128

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB2128 will likely influence the operational capabilities of the National Archives and potentially other independent agencies that rely on federal funding. By capping funding to a specific amount, the bill could hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies as they manage their resources, potentially affecting their ability to carry out essential functions such as record-keeping and archival services. Stakeholders may raise concerns about how this could impact public access to historical records and the preservation of important documents and artifacts.

Summary

House Bill 2128 is designed to impose a financial limitation on the appropriations available for independent agencies, specifically targeting the National Archives and Records Administration for the fiscal year 2024. The legislation sets a strict cap, restricting the total available funds for these agencies to a maximum of $373 million, which is a clear measure to tighten federal budgetary controls. This bill reflects ongoing concerns about government spending and an emphasis on fiscal responsibility at the federal level.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2128 include discussions about whether this funding cap is justifiable in light of the needs of the National Archives and the services it provides. Critics of the bill might argue that limiting funding during a time when there is increasing demand for digitization and public access to records could lead to negative repercussions, such as slower processing times and reduced public service quality. Proponents may emphasize fiscal prudence, arguing that such caps are necessary to prevent wasteful government expenditure.