July Snapshot
At the beginning of each month, the National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) will bring you a different kind of Taxpayer's Tab -- a roundup of the bills scored during the previous month. The BillTally data includes cost estimates of both cost and savings bills, along with their sponsors, cosponsors, and some interesting trends we discovered.
By The Numbers
In July, NTUF scored 211 House with 64 of those bills introduced in the past month. 115 Senate bills were also scored with 13 bills introduced in July.
If all 211 House bills were enacted, they would result in a yearly net savings of $37 billion (see below). Cost cutting bills included budgetary cuts and reforms, as well as changes in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Spending bills include a multi-billion dollar shipbuilding act and two significant unemployment benefits extension bills.
House Bills Scored by NTUF in July | |||
Number of Bills | Net Annaulized Cost/Savings (in millions of $) | Average Cost/Savings (in millions of $) | |
| Spending Increase Bills | 75 | $71,807 | $957 |
| Spending Cut Bills | 13 | ($108,843) | ($8,373) |
| No Cost Bills | 123 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 211* | ($37,036) | |
* Includes five bills from the First Session report whose cost estimates were updated with new information. | |||
In the Senate, the 115 bills scored within the month of July would increase spending by almost $19 billion (see below) on an annual basis if all bills were enacted. Only a single bill, repealing the Troubled Asset Relief Program funding, would decrease federal spending. The largest spending bills included unemployment and health benefits legislation, foreign and domestic aid, and a bill to promote savings and financial literacy.
Senate Bills Scored by NTUF in July | |||
Number of Bills | Net Annaulized Cost/Savings (in millions of $) | Average Cost/Savings (in millions of $) | |
| Spending Increase Bills | 55 | $46,663 | $848 |
| Spending Cut Bills | 1 | ($27,865) | ($27,865) |
| No Cost Bills | 59 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 115* | $18,798 | |
* Includes three bills from the First Session report whose cost estimates were updated with new information. | |||
Know Your Cut Bills
Throughout each Congress, NTUF keeps track of savings bills Members introduce. The list for the 111th Congress currently contains 133 bills, 92 House and 41 Senate. The full spreadsheet can be accessed here.
House Stats
The following are sponsorship figures based on the House bills which have been scored by NTUF within the month of July (totals include both sponsor and cosponsorships):
- Most bills overall: 26 by Eleanor Norton (DC)
- Most spending bills: 16 by Eleanor Norton (DC)
- Most cut bills: 6 by Marsha Blackburn (TN-7)
- Most no cost bills: 11 by Steve Cohen (TN-9)
Senate Stats
The following are sponsorship figures based on the Senate bills which have been scored by NTUF within the month of July (totals include both sponsor and cosponsorships):
- Most bills overall: 16 by Sherrod Brown (OH) and Mary Landrieu (LA)
- Most spending bills: 11 by Susan Collins (ME)
- Most cut bills: The single savings bill (S. 2938) has the support of 29 Senators
- Most no cost bills: 8 by Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Honoring Milton Friedman's Legacy
In partnership with the Foundation for Educational Choice, the National Taxpayers Union Foundation brought together over 30 people to celebrate the late great economist Milton Friedman's 98th birthday. Participants included students, interns, policy experts, education advocates, researchers, and parents. After an introduction by NTUF Executive Vice President Pete Sepp, NTUF presented the documentary film The Lottery, which highlights the challenges faced by four families as they attempt to place their children in the New York City charter school system. NTUF Director of Congressional Analysis Jeff Dircksen toasted Friedman's achievements in economics and education as the celebratory happy hour began. Thanks to everyone who participated in this wonderful event! Check out pictures and video from the event.
We Want You!
NTUF is looking for late summer/fall associate policy analysts to participate in our internship program. Associates assist with BillTally research and other policy projects. Academic credit and a stipend are possible. Email questions to ntuf@ntu.org. To apply visit our internship page. Join us and help keep a tab on Congress!
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 Govtack.us.