Bill Summary
This legislation proposes an amendment to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, specifically altering the authority of the Comptroller General regarding civil actions. The key change is that it requires the Comptroller General to obtain prior approval from Congress before initiating any civil action related to the Act. The amendment introduces a new requirement that Congress must enact a concurrent resolution authorizing such actions, thereby increasing congressional oversight over the Comptroller General's enforcement capabilities. This aims to ensure legislative involvement in matters related to the control of federal funds and their impoundment.
Possible Impacts
The proposed amendment to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which requires prior Congressional approval before the Comptroller General can pursue a civil action, could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Increased Accountability and Transparency**: By requiring Congressional approval for civil actions, the legislation may enhance accountability in government spending and actions. Citizens may benefit from more oversight of federal budgetary decisions and the use of funds, ensuring that taxpayer money is managed according to the will of elected representatives.
2. **Potential Delays in Legal Action**: The requirement for prior Congressional approval could lead to delays in pursuing necessary legal actions related to budgetary impoundments. This might impede timely resolutions of disputes involving federal funding, potentially affecting programs and services that people rely on, such as education, healthcare, or infrastructure.
3. **Shift in Power Dynamics**: This legislation may alter the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress, giving Congress greater control over actions taken by the Comptroller General. This shift could impact how quickly and effectively federal agencies can respond to financial issues, ultimately affecting public services and the efficacy of government operations that impact citizens' daily lives.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4229 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4229
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 27, 2025
Mr. Harris of Maryland (for himself, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, Mr.
Clyde, Ms. Boebert, Mr. Gosar, Mr. Gill of Texas, and Mr. Higgins of
Louisiana) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker,
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL BEFORE PURSUING CIVIL ACTION UNDER
IMPOUNDMENT CONTROL ACT OF 1974.
Section 1016 of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 687)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``If,'' and inserting ``(a) In General.--
If,'';
(2) by striking ``is hereby expressly empowered'' and
inserting ``may, subject to approval by the Congress under
subsection (b),''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Prior Congressional Approval Required.--The Comptroller
General may not bring a civil action under subsection (a) unless the
Congress has enacted a concurrent resolution authorizing the
Comptroller General to bring such civil action.''.
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