Us Congress House Bill HB7235

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

A Fast-Tracked Executive Rescission Review (AFTER) of Appropriations Act of 2024

Impact

The expected impact of HB7235 is twofold: it facilitates a more agile response to fiscal matters by allowing quicker executive interventions on spending, and it places more power in the hands of the President concerning budgetary control. This shift could lead to significant changes in how budget authority is managed, potentially reducing the spending levels previously assumed by the legislative branch. Proponents argue that this will lead to higher fiscal responsibility and a decrease in unnecessary expenditures.

Summary

House Bill 7235, titled 'A Fast-Tracked Executive Rescission Review of Appropriations Act of 2024,' aims to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by introducing a legislative line-item veto mechanism. This proposal allows the President to request the rescission of budgetary items within ten days of a bill's enactment, streamlining the process for canceling new direct spending and limited tax benefits. It also provides the framework for Congress to rapidly approve or disapprove these requests through specially designated approval bills.

Contention

Key points of contention around HB7235 concern the balance of budgetary power between the legislative and executive branches. Critics express concern that empowering the President to unilaterally rescind appropriations could undermine congressional authority and reduce transparency in governmental fiscal operations. There are fears that such a mechanism could be misused for political objectives rather than genuine fiscal restraint. Additionally, the expedited procedure for handling approval bills may limit debate and scrutiny over significant fiscal changes.