Government Office Realignment And Closure Act of 2023 or the GORAC Act This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide for an independent evaluation of federal agencies and programs to identify duplicative, wasteful, or outdated functions and provides for congressional consideration of legislation to implement recommendations from the evaluation. Specifically, the GAO must (1) procure the services of a nonfederal auditor to evaluate each federal program carried out in the previous 20 years, make recommendations on federal agencies and programs that should be realigned or eliminated, and report on such recommendations; and (2) take steps to assure that any work performed by such auditor complies with standards established by the GAO for audits of federal establishments, programs, activities, and functions. The GAO must provide for the relocation of federal employees whose positions are eliminated as a result of the implementation of recommendations included in the report.
The implications of HB 397 are significant for federal legislation and state laws, as it may lead to a significant consolidation of responsibilities within federal agencies. Such realignments could affect job stability for federal employees and the structure of various governmental bodies. Furthermore, the savings derived from these evaluations, as specified in the bill, are mandated to be redirected to support domestic programs or pay down the national debt, underscoring a commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic reform.
House Bill 397, also known as the Government Office Realignment And Closure Act of 2023 (GORAC Act), is designed to improve the efficiency of federal operations by mandating evaluations of federal agencies and programs. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to enlist non-federal auditors to review all federal programs that have been active over the past 20 years. The aims are to identify functions that are duplicative, wasteful, or outdated and recommend how these can either be eliminated or realigned for greater efficiency. This will potentially streamline government functions and improve allocation of resources.
While supporters of HB 397 argue it is a necessary step towards eliminating waste and enhancing accountability in government spending, the bill has raised concerns among some stakeholders regarding the potential impact on federal employment and the risk of overly aggressive cuts that may jeopardize essential services. Additionally, the bill's emphasis on centralizing authority and oversight might encounter resistance from those who favor a more decentralized approach to federal governance, which could contribute to a heated debate in legislative sessions.