To amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require prior approval from Congress before the Comptroller General may pursue a civil action under such Act, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4229 seeks to amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. The amendment would require the Comptroller General to obtain prior congressional approval before pursuing civil actions under the Act. This changes the existing process where the Comptroller General is expressly empowered to act independently.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would shift power over impoundment-related civil actions from the Comptroller General to Congress. This could lead to fewer civil actions being pursued, as congressional approval would be required in each case. The change could also politicize the process, as decisions would be subject to congressional debate and votes.
Potential Benefits
- Increased congressional oversight of the Comptroller General's actions related to impoundment.
- Potential for more public debate and transparency regarding impoundment-related civil actions.
- Could prevent the Comptroller General from pursuing actions that Congress does not support.
- May lead to more careful consideration of the potential impacts of civil actions before they are initiated.
- Could ensure actions align with the current political priorities of Congress.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for political gridlock to prevent necessary civil actions from being pursued.
- Could weaken the Comptroller General's ability to act independently and enforce the Impoundment Control Act.
- May lead to delays in pursuing civil actions, as congressional approval would be required.
- Could increase the influence of special interests in decisions related to impoundment.
- Potential for Congress to use its approval power for political gain.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill relates to the powers of Congress and the Comptroller General, touching on the separation of powers. Article I, Section 1 vests all legislative powers in Congress. The requirement for congressional approval could be seen as an assertion of this power over the executive branch's actions related to impoundment. However, the constitution does not explicitly define the powers of the Comptroller General in relation to Congress.
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).