In the debate on H.R. 2112, NTU is continuing to issue Vote Alerts on amendments as we are made aware of them. At this point in the process, we urge you to support all of the following proposals from Senator Coburn (R-OK):
Amendment 794, which would require every federal agency to file an annual report providing taxpayers with a range of information including total expenditures, the latest performance reviews, and the total unspent and unobligated funds held. Such reports would ease the process of identifying government waste, inefficiency, and duplication.
Amendment 795, which would cancel funding obligated for Housing and Urban Development projects that have been stalled for more than five years after approval. A recent Washington Post investigation revealed that nearly 700 such projects, representing $400 million, have been idling due to a lack of rules and accountability systems.
Amendment 796, which would prohibit federal grants from being used to pay back federal loans. This scheme, whereby taxpayer dollars are being used to make risky loans and then subsequently bail out those who defaulted, is not only a tremendous mismanagement of money, but it also threatens to create enormous economic distortions.
Amendment 797, which would prohibit funds from being used to construct or renovate any federal building except for safety or national security reasons. The government should be reducing, not augmenting, its excessive property inventory.
Amendment 799, which would prevent any funds from being used for the Rural Energy for America grant and loan program. This would be positive step toward eliminating the thicket of mandates, subsidies, and tariffs that artificially prop-up the biofuels industry at the cost of higher energy prices for consumers.
Amendment 800, which would reduce funding for the Rural Development Agency by $1 billion. There is little evidence that federal programs such as these promote economic development in rural areas; and, they often duplicate efforts already conducted more appropriately and efficiently by the private sector.
Amendment 801, which would eliminate the Small Community Air Service Development Program. Trimming this wasteful subsidy would be one of many steps needed to put federal aviation policy on a more rational path.
Roll call votes on the aforementioned amendments will be significantly weighted in our annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Brandon Greife at (703) 683-5700
