Us Congress Senate Bill SB1052

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, SB1052 would require federal agencies to provide written notices to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for any proposed discretionary administrative actions that would lead to increased direct spending. Agencies would need to include budgetary effects and proposals for reductions in other areas to offset the proposed increases. This requirement is expected to enhance the scrutiny of federal spending while holding agencies accountable for their budget impact, effectively centralizing the oversight of administrative spending decisions.

Summary

SB1052, known as the Administrative Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2023, aims to enforce strict accountability on government administrative actions, particularly those that entail direct spending. The bill seeks to institutionalize and reinforce the concept of 'Pay-As-You-Go', ensuring that administrative actions that could increase federal spending are balanced by proposals that reduce direct spending elsewhere. This mechanism is intended to prevent situations where agencies can unilaterally increase spending without offsetting cuts, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility within the federal government.

Contention

The bill's proponents argue that it addresses a significant gap in existing oversight measures by ensuring that all administrative actions account for financial implications, reinforcing a culture of accountability within government. However, critics may raise concerns about potential bureaucratic delays in the implementation of necessary administrative actions, arguing that the rigorous oversight process could hinder swift government responses in urgent situations. Additionally, the bill's provisions might spark debate about the balance between fiscal responsibility and the need for administrative flexibility in executing essential government programs.