U.S. Senate debates ten year sunset for federal agencies
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has begun debating a bill [1] [2] requiring that all Governmental agencies be given a 10 year shelf life, at which time they may be reinstated by a committee appointed by the President or cease to exist within two to four years. The White House supports the proposed bill.
The senate debate will cover such issues as how difficult it will be for the President's sunset commission to recommend the elimination of an agency, and how much the public will be permitted to participate.
Many proponents of a sunset clause may not support the bill in its current form, as it extends the power of the president at the expense of congress. Some proponents hope to limit the size of either the federal government, or federal law in general, by requiring ongoing debate in congress, a feature not provided by this bill.
Sources
edit- Amelia Gruber. "White House sends program review legislation to Hill" — GovExec.com, June 30, 2005
- Tom Finnigan. "CCAGW Endorses Bill to Create Sunset and Results Commissions" — CCAGW, June 30, 2005
- Anna Oma. "White House Power Grab Puts Public at Risk" — OMBWatch, June 30, 2005