Us Congress House Bill HB10391

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Caption

To prohibit the continuing availability of any portion of a Federal payment to the District of Columbia for a program of District of Columbia resident tuition support for a fiscal year which remains unobligated as of the end of the fiscal year, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 10391 will modify existing regulations governing the management of federal payments to the District of Columbia for educational support. Specifically, the bill emphasizes that any federally appropriated funds for tuition support that go unobligated by the end of the fiscal year will lapse, thereby encouraging more effective and timely utilization of allocated resources. This change is expected to compel local education authorities and institutions to expedite the allocation and spending of these funds, potentially transforming how tuition support is distributed and managed in the future.

Summary

House Bill 10391, titled the 'No More D.C. Waste Act', seeks to introduce a prohibition on the continuing availability of any portion of federal payments designated for the District of Columbia's resident tuition support programs if those funds remain unobligated at the end of the fiscal year. The intention behind the bill is to ensure fiscal responsibility and prevent the accumulation of unused federal funds that do not contribute to education initiatives. This legislation marks a significant shift in how federal education support is managed in the District of Columbia, particularly focusing on the financial oversight of tuition assistance programs.

Contention

The introduction of HB 10391 may spark debate around the balance between federal oversight and local control over education funding. Some stakeholders may argue that this prohibition on unobligated funds is a necessary measure to ensure accountability and efficiency in the use of taxpayer dollars. However, opponents might contend that such restrictions could limit the flexibility that local education agencies require to adapt to the dynamic needs of students and educational institutions. As the District of Columbia continues to navigate budgetary and funding challenges, this bill could intensify discussions about the federal government's role in managing education finances at the local level.