Most Expensive Bill of the WeekThe Bill: H.R. 1332, Social Security Fairness Act of 2011 Annualized Cost: $9 billion ($45 billion over five years)  H.R. 1332, sponsored by Congressman Buck McKeon (CA-25), would end the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, both of which reduce Social Security benefits for certain individuals. The pension offset affects spouses who receive either a Spousal benefit or a Survivor's benefit from Social Security, while they also receive certain federal, state, or local government pension payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reduces benefit payments to these individuals by two-thirds. The windfall provision affects individuals who earned a pension and did not have Social Security taxes withheld from their income - certain government workers or individuals who worked overseas, for example. SSA uses a formula to calculate a lower benefit payment amount for these individuals.
The act would allow individuals to receive their full benefit payments without offset. If enacted, the bill would result in new spending due to the higher benefit levels. In 2007, SSA estimated that the repeal would increase federal spending by $9 billion per year. Least Expensive Bill of the WeekThe Bill: H.R. 1626, Prevent the Reckless, Irresponsible, Needless Typography (PRINT) Act of 2011/S. 674, Congressional Record Printing Savings Act of 2011 Annualized Savings: -$8 million (first-year savings)  The Government Printing Office (GPO) is the agency charged with printing documents for the official record and various publications as requested by federal officials. Since 1994, electronic access to these documents has grown while demand for the print editions continues to fall.
 To cut costs, Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) and Senator Tom Coburn (OK) have introduced legislation limiting when the GPO can print the Congressional Record. According to the bill, only when the Vice President or Members of Congress request a copy will GPO be allowed to print the document. The new restriction would save taxpayers $8 million.
Most FriendedThe Bill: H.R. 718/S. 648, Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2011 Annualized Cost: $26 million ($130 million over five years) Number of Cosponsors: 67 Congressmen and 3 Senators  Congressman Bob Filner (CA-51) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) have introduced the Huntington's Disease Parity Act. Huntington's disease (HD) is a degenerative neurological disorder currently affecting some 30,000 Americans. The disease causes total physical and mental deterioration, usually within 15 years. The bill would change Medicare and Social Security provisions for those suffering from the illness.
Medicare maintains a 24-month waiting period for people disabled by HD. The waiting period is intended to allow individuals to utilize their private insurance before receiving government assistance. The HD Parity Act would eliminate the waiting period.  H.R. 718 would also require SSA to revise criteria for evaluating disability for those with HD. SSA would be required to provide special instructions and regulations relating to both HD and Juvenile HD.
According to a report from the Huntington's Disease Society of America, $26 million in new federal spending would result from the bill's enactment. A majority of the costs would come from eliminating the 24-month waiting period and from the entrance of 2,500 new HD patients into the Medicare system. Cosponsors include 47 Democrat and 20 Republican Congressmen. Three Democrats support S. 648 in the Senate. Support NTUFThe National Taxpayers Union Foundation is able to produce timely reports and analysis for policymakers and taxpayers with the help and support of foundations, small businesses, and Americans who wish to stay informed of their government's spending. With donations from Tab subscribers and members, NTUF will be able to continue to simplify important entitlement reform plans, examine budgets, and score legislation. Please consider making a tax-free contribution to NTUF. | | The WildcardThe Bill: S. 618, a bill to promote the strengthening of the private sector in Egypt and Tunisia Annualized Cost: $16 million ($80 million over five years) Based on programs established in countries like Hungry and Albania, after the end of the Cold War, S. 618 would attempt to facilitate the development of free markets in Egypt and Tunisia. In Egypt, $60 million would be given in the form of loans, assistance, and studies to promote greater development, better policies and security, and improved transparency. Tunisia would be given $20 million over five years to accomplish similar goals. The United States Agency for International Development would administer the programs. According to CBO, Senator John Kerry's (MA) bill would disburse the total $80 million in installments over five years and the funds would be terminated in 2021. Also, the Government Accountability Office would also be required to evaluate the programs' effectiveness. |
Missed an Issue of The Tab? Read them online Issue 17 - May 24 Issue 16 - May 10 Issue 15 - May 3 Issue 14 - Apr. 26
About NTUF The National Taxpayers Union Foundation is a research and educational organization dedicated solely to helping citizens of all generations understand how tax policies, spending programs, and regulations at all levels affect them now and in the future. Through NTUF's timely information, analysis, and commentary, we're empowering citizens to actively engage in the fiscal policy debate and hold public officials accountable every day. NTUF is a 501(c)(3) research and education organization. Donations are deductible for personal income tax purposes. Please make a donation today to help further NTUF's mission of research and education! This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation or as a comment on any Member's fitness to serve. 
|
|
