The establishment of this commission is expected to impact various facets of how federal agencies operate, particularly in terms of their capacity to produce and prioritize evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of new programs. By encouraging agencies to make data more accessible and open, the bill aims to foster a culture of accountability and responsible data use. The Commission will consist of 12 members appointed by congressional leaders, including academics and former congressional staffers, to ensure a balanced representation of expertise.
Summary
HCR49, known as the Congressional Evidence-Based Policymaking Resolution, seeks to establish a Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking. This commission is tasked with reviewing, analyzing, and making recommendations aimed at enhancing the use of federal data to promote evidence-based policymaking. The bill emphasizes the importance of evidence in assessing the effectiveness of federal policies and programs, suggesting a systematic approach to the incorporation of data in legislative processes.
Contention
While the bill has been designed to further evidence-based policymaking, it is not without its points of contention. Critics argue that the focus on data-centric legislative processes could lead to an overemphasis on quantifiable outcomes, potentially sidelining critical qualitative measures and human experiences in policymaking. There are also concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information collected in the process of evidence gathering. Balancing the needs for data transparency and individual privacy rights remains a critical challenge for the successful implementation of this resolution.
Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade ResolutionThis concurrent resolution establishes a process for transferring the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities and the Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities to plan for and implement the transfer.The Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities shall consist of 14 members of Congress appointed by majority and minority party leaders of the two chambers of Congress and meeting qualifications specified in the bill. The committee shall develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the USTR shall be moved and provide its plan in a report to Congress within 16 months after the committee is appointed. The bill also establishes a 21-member Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities responsible for advising the committee in its development of the plan. Individuals meeting qualifications specified in the bill shall be appointed by the Trade Representative and majority and minority party leaders.The concurrent resolution also provides that the USTR shall provide such information and assistance the committee and the advisory board may reasonably require to carry out their activities.The transition of the USTR to the legislative branch occurs four years after the committee submits its report.
Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And For Members Of Congress.