the Appropriations Compliance and Training Act
Summary
The Appropriations Compliance and Training Act mandates annual training on appropriations law for certain executive branch employees. This includes those in positions at or above grade 11 of the General Schedule, political appointees, and Senior Executive Service members. The goal is to ensure proper handling and understanding of appropriated funds within the government.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase accountability and compliance with appropriations law across the executive branch. It may also lead to more efficient and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Noncompliance results in suspension from supervisory authority and potential loss of bonuses.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced understanding of appropriations law among executive branch employees.
- Increased accountability in the use of government funds.
- Reduced risk of violations of appropriations law, such as the Antideficiency Act.
- Improved efficiency in government spending.
- Greater transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden for agencies to implement and track training.
- Possible resistance from employees required to undergo training.
- Costs associated with developing or procuring training courses.
- Risk of inconsistent application of training requirements across different agencies.
- Potential for delays in decision-making due to training requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on congressional power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." By mandating training on appropriations law, the Act reinforces the importance of adhering to these constitutional principles. It ensures that executive branch employees are aware of and comply with the legal framework governing the use of appropriated funds, thereby upholding the separation of powers and the rule of law.
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).