Taxpayer's Tab: June Snapshot

Vol. 2 Issue 22 July 12, 2011

 

June Snapshot

The National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) presents another monthly overview of the bills we scored in the month of June. The latest BillTally data includes cost estimates of both spending and savings bills, along with how many members of Congress support the legislative measures. Please note that these estimates are preliminary and NTUF continually updates BillTally research using third party and Congressional sources. Links to Member reports are for the previous Congress.

By The Numbers

During the month of June, NTUF analysts analyzed 437 bills to determine their impact on federal spending. Of those, 216 were House bills with 12 bills introduced in the past month. In the Senate, NTUF scored 221 bills that were introduced in previous months.

Net federal spending would decrease by approximately $460 million annually if all 216 House bills were enacted (see below). Annualized cost totals exclude offsetting provisions. The largest spending increase bills include legislation to establish an environmental trust fund through receipts of a disposable plastic bag tax, adjust Social Security benefits for so-called Notch Babies, and fully fund education programs for elementary, secondary, and disabled students. Large spending cut proposals include bills to change how states use federal unemployment funds, establish a pilot program to sell off federal property, and rescind funds authorized for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

House Bills Scored by NTUF in June
 
Number of Bills
Net Annualized Cost/Savings
(in millions of $)
Average Cost/Savings
(in millions of $)
Average Number of Sponsors
Spending Increase Bills
34
$42,652
$1,254
16.4
Spending Cut Bills
15
($43,112)
($3,919)
24.2
No Cost Bills
165
$0
$0
13.3
Excluded*
3
N/A
N/A
1
Total
216
($460)
  

* Excluded bills are not applicable under BillTally Methodology
Source: NTUF BillTally System

The 221 Senate bills scored within the month of June would increase federal spending by approximately $5.1 billion annually, if all of the bills were enacted (see below). Annaualized cost totals exclude offsetting provisions. The largest spending increase bills would establish a national infrastructure investment fund, create a national literacy program for children, and fully fund education programs for disabled students. Large spending cut proposals include implementing certain parts of the President's "Terminations, Reductions, and Savings" report, making cuts to and limiting spending on government printing, and instituting medical liability reforms.

Senate Bills Scored by NTUF in June
 
Number of Bills
Net Annualized Cost/Savings
(in millions of $)
Average Cost/Savings
(in millions of $)
Average Number of Sponsors
 
Spending Increase Bills
63
$21,632
$349
4.3
Spending Cut Bills
10
($16,529)
($1,837)
6.9
No Cost Bills
145
$0
$0
5.3
Excluded*
3
N/A
N/A
4
Total
221
$5,103
  

* Excluded bills are not applicable under BillTally Methodology
Source: NTUF BillTally System

Know Your Cut Bills

With the addition of the 15 House and 10 Senate cost savings bills scored in June, NTUF's savings bill list for the 112th Congress now contains 104 bills. The 73 House savings bills, excluding overlapping measures, would cut $298.5 billion. The Senate's 31 bills would cut $170.3 billion, also excluding overlapping measures. The full spreadsheet can be accessed here.

House Stats

The following sponsorship figures are based on the House bills that were scored by NTUF within the month of June (totals include both sponsors and cosponsors):

 

Senate Stats

The following sponsorship figures are based on the Senate bills that were scored by NTUF within the month of June (totals include both sponsors and cosponsors):

 

Friendship Circle

Cosponsoring bills not only shows direct support for specific legislation but it can provide insight into national issues. Below are bills that had the most cosponsors in BillTally's three established bill categories.

Most Friended House Bills

 

Most Friended Senate Bills

 

  

June's Bills

Spending Bills:

H.R. 864     S. 103

H.R. 1332   S. 929

H.R. 1628   S. 936

H.R. 825     S. 932

H.R. 2107   S. 550

Savings Bills:

H.R. 698     S. 1099

H.R. 665     S. 477

H.R. 1745   S. 475

H.R. 430     S. 904

H.R. 1625   S. 800


 

We Want You!

NTUF is looking for fall associate policy analysts to participate in our internship program. Associates assist with BillTally research and other policy projects. Academic credit is possible. Email questions to ntuf@ntu.org. To apply visit our internship page. Join us and help keep a tab on Congress!


 

Missed an Issue of The Tab?

Read them online

Issue 21 - June 28

Issue 20 - June 21

Issue 19 - June 14
100 Day Report

Issue 18 - June 1



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. Cosponsor information obtained from GovTrack.us.

 

 



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