Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions Review Act
Summary
The "Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions Review Act" (H.R. 3428) mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions. The review will assess ethics policies, public communication practices, federal responsibilities, funding sources, potential duplication of efforts, and reporting activities. The Comptroller General must submit a report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, including findings and recommendations for increased transparency and oversight.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase transparency and accountability of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions. It requires the commissions to develop plans for compliance with the Comptroller General's recommendations. This could lead to more efficient use of federal and state funds and better coordination of responsibilities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the operations of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions.
- Identification and reduction of potential duplication of efforts among federal agencies.
- Improved communication with the public regarding the activities of the commissions.
- Enhanced congressional oversight of the commissions.
- Potential for more efficient use of federal and state funding.
Potential Disadvantages
- The review process may require significant resources from the Comptroller General's office.
- The commissions may face increased administrative burdens in complying with the reporting requirements.
- The act may not lead to significant changes in the operations of the commissions if the recommendations are not effectively implemented.
- Potential for political disagreements over the interpretation and implementation of the recommendations.
- The act focuses solely on the Mid-Atlantic region, potentially neglecting similar issues in other river basin commissions.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the principle of congressional oversight and the power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and appropriate funds for the general welfare. The requirement for the Comptroller General to conduct a review and submit a report to Congress supports this oversight function. Additionally, the act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).