Congressional Power of the Purse Act REPUBLIC Act Reforming Emergency Powers to Uphold the Balances and Limitations Inherent in the Constitution Act
Impact
If enacted, HB 5220 will introduce substantial changes to how budget authority can be managed by the executive branch. It places emphasis on prudently obligating funds and mandates that any proposed rescission of budget authority must not only be reported to Congress but include justifications and timelines that align with legislative processes. This seeks to curb any potential abuses of executive power regarding budget management and reallocations that may not have appropriate legislative backing.
Summary
House Bill 5220, titled the 'Congressional Power of the Purse Act', is aimed at strengthening and enhancing congressional control over federal budgetary allocations. The bill seeks to amend existing legislation, particularly the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, to prevent the fast-tracking of budget authority rescissions without proper congressional oversight. This change is intended to ensure that any proposed withholding of budget authority must undergo comprehensive legislative scrutiny and requires advanced notifications to Congress, thus reinforcing the power of the purse held by the legislative branch.
Contention
The bill's provisions to enhance transparency and reporting requirements include stipulations for the Department of Justice to report any violations of the Antideficiency Act, which could fuel discussions on accountability in government spending. Critics may argue that these additional layers of required reporting could potentially slow down the government's ability to respond swiftly in instances of crisis or national emergencies, as they may impose restrictions on how quickly funds can be reallocated or appropriated. The balance between enhancing congressional oversight and maintaining operational efficiency during emergencies could be a significant point of debate among lawmakers.
National Security Reforms and Accountability Act National Emergencies Reform Act Arms Export Control Reform Act War Powers Resolution Modernization and Accountability Act
Budgetary Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs Act of 2023 or the BASIC Act This bill requires cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the costs of servicing the public debt.
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.
Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2025 District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2025 Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2025 Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2025