Stop Unnecessary Expenditures Act; SUE Act
Summary
The Stop Unnecessary Expenditures Act (SUE Act) aims to prohibit the use of federal funds to pay for Wall Street Journal subscriptions for members of Congress and congressional committees. This bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, seeks to cut down on what is perceived as unnecessary spending. The proposed law would apply to fiscal year 2025 and subsequent years.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the SUE Act would prevent federal funds from being used for Wall Street Journal subscriptions for members of Congress and committees. This would likely result in a small reduction in government spending. The impact on the accessibility of news and information for lawmakers is uncertain.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces government spending, however minimally.
- May encourage members of Congress to seek news from a variety of sources.
- Could be seen as a symbolic gesture towards fiscal responsibility.
- Aligns with public sentiment against perceived wasteful spending.
- Could free up funds for other purposes, however small the amount.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The cost savings are likely negligible and may not significantly impact the federal budget.
- May limit access to a specific source of financial news and analysis for some members of Congress.
- Could be viewed as a symbolic gesture that does not address larger fiscal issues.
- Potential for hindering informed decision-making if the WSJ provides unique insights not readily available elsewhere.
- May create a perception of limiting access to information, even if other sources are available.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general principles of fiscal responsibility, which are implied within the Constitution's allocation of powers to Congress regarding spending (Article I, Section 8). It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The act does not violate the First Amendment, as it does not restrict access to information generally, but rather restricts the use of federal funds for a specific subscription.
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).