Bill Summary
The "Finding Federal Savings Committee Resolution" establishes a new committee within the U.S. House of Representatives called the Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs. This committee is tasked with identifying, researching, and reviewing federal programs that are deemed underperforming or nonessential, and making recommendations for their modification or elimination.
Key components of the resolution include:
1. **Committee Structure**: The committee will consist of members from various existing committees, ensuring a diverse representation. It will include four members from the Committees on Appropriations, Budget, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, as well as a Chair and Vice Chair from outside these committees.
2. **Responsibilities**: The committee will conduct annual reviews of federal programs, report its findings, and propose legislation aimed at eliminating or modifying those programs identified as underperforming.
3. **Legislative Process**: The resolution introduces expedited procedures for considering bills or resolutions reported by the committee. This includes limited debate time and restrictions on amendments, allowing for a more streamlined process in addressing the committee's findings.
4. **Sunset Clause**: The committee is set to dissolve at the end of the 120th Congress, indicating a temporary measure aimed at federal efficiency.
Overall, the resolution aims to enhance governmental efficiency by potentially reducing wasteful spending on programs that do not deliver adequate results.
Possible Impacts
The passage of the "Finding Federal Savings Committee Resolution" and the establishment of the Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs could have several significant effects on people, including:
1. **Impact on Federal Services and Benefits**: If the committee identifies and recommends the elimination of underperforming or nonessential federal programs, individuals and communities that rely on these programs may face reduced services or loss of benefits. For example, programs related to social services, education, or healthcare that are deemed nonessential could be cut, adversely affecting vulnerable populations who depend on them for support.
2. **Government Efficiency and Budget Savings**: The resolution aims to improve government efficiency by eliminating programs that do not deliver adequate value for their cost. This could lead to a reduction in the federal budget deficit or a reallocation of resources towards more effective programs, potentially benefiting taxpayers through lower taxes or improved services in other areas. However, this may also lead to job losses or shifts in employment for those working in affected programs.
3. **Political and Legislative Dynamics**: The establishment of this committee and its expedited procedures could change the legislative landscape by allowing for faster action on bills related to federal program elimination. This may empower certain political factions while causing friction within Congress, especially if significant programs face cuts. Citizens may feel the impact of these political decisions through changes in funding for programs that serve their communities, influencing public opinion and future elections.
Overall, while the resolution aims to streamline government functions and reduce waste, it carries the risk of affecting essential services and altering the social safety net for many individuals.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 36 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 36
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the
Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 13, 2025
Mr. Obernolte (for himself, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Webster of Florida,
Ms. Tenney, and Mr. Valadao) submitted the following resolution; which
was referred to the Committee on Rules
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the
Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs.
Resolved,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This resolution may be cited as the ``Finding Federal Savings
Committee Resolution''.
SEC. 2. COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF NONESSENTIAL FEDERAL PROGRAMS.
(a) Clause 1 of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives
is amended by redesignating paragraphs (f) through (t) as paragraphs
(g) through (u) and by inserting after paragraph (e) the following new
paragraph:
``(f) Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs
``Modification or elimination of underperforming or
nonessential Federal programs.
The committee shall cease to exist at the close of the 120th
Congress.''.
(b) Clause 4 of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(g) The Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal
Programs shall--
``(1)(A) research, review, and study Federal programs that
are underperforming or nonessential; and
``(B) determine which Federal programs should be modified
or eliminated;
``(2) develop recommendations to the House for action
designed to modify or eliminate underperforming or nonessential
Federal programs; and
``(3) submit to the House--
``(A) at least once a year, reports including--
``(i) a detailed statement of the findings
and conclusions of the Committee; and
``(ii) a list of underperforming or
nonessential Federal programs; and
``(B) legislation to eliminate the programs
described in section subdivision (ii) and rescissions
based on the findings of the report described in
subdivision (i).''.
(c) Clause 5(a) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4)(A) The Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal
Programs shall be composed of members as follows:
``(i) Four members from the Committee on Appropriations.
``(ii) Four members from the Committee on the Budget.
``(iii) Four members from the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
``(iv) Four members from the Committee on Ways and Means.
``(v) One member who does not serve on any of committees
described in items (i) through (iv), who shall be appointed by
the Speaker and designated by the Speaker as the Chair of the
Committee.
``(vi) One member who does not serve on any of committees
described in items (i) through (iv), who shall be appointed by
the minority leader and designated by the minority leader as
the Vice Chair of the Committee.
``(B) The Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee shall not be from
the same political party.
``(C) Of the members appointed from each of the four committees
listed in subdivision (A), two shall be from the minority party.''.
(d) Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended
by adding at the end the following new clause:
``Expedited procedures for legislation reported by the Committee on the
Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs
``12. With respect to any bill or resolution reported by the
Committee on the Elimination of Nonessential Federal Programs, the
following shall apply:
``(a) After the expiration of the 7-day period (excluding
any day on which the House is not in session) that begins on
the date the Committee reports the bill or resolution, it is in
order to move to proceed to the consideration of the bill or
resolution. The motion is highly privileged and is not
debatable, an amendment to the motion is not in order, and it
is not in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the
motion is agreed to or disagreed to.
``(b) Debate on the bill or resolution shall be limited to
not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between
those favoring and those opposing the bill or resolution. A
motion to further limit debate is not debatable.
``(c) An amendment to, or motion to recommit, the bill or
resolution is not in order, and it is not in order to move to
reconsider the vote by which the bill or resolution is agreed
to or disagreed to.''.
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