To: Members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
From: National Taxpayers Union
Re: NTU’s views on July 22, 2020 Committee Markup
On behalf of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, I write to express our views on several measures slated for consideration before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on July 22, 2020. NTU applauds the Committee for your continued efforts to advance legislation that improves government and spends taxpayer dollars more effectively.
S. 4077, Unfunded Mandates Accountability and Transparency Act. This legislation introduced by Senators Portman, Fischer and Lankford would make important updates to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), reducing excessive government mandates on small businesses and local governments. Specifically, The Unfunded Mandates Accountability and Transparency Act would update and improve the federal regulatory process outlined in UMRA by defining “major rules” subject to UMRA requirements, requiring federal agencies to consider alternatives to any major rule, providing an explicit definition of “cost” for agencies’ regulatory impact analyses, and many other important reforms.
The reforms in the Unfunded Mandates Accountability and Transparency Act should pair well with other deregulatory efforts taking place in both Congress and the Administration. These efforts are particularly critical as policymakers determine how to best help businesses and workers lead America’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. NTU supports S. 4077.
S. 92, Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This legislation, introduced by Senator Paul and 41 cosponsors, would overhaul the process for major federal rules. Specifically, the REINS Act would rein in unelected federal bureaucrats by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced, as opposed to the status quo, where regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves.
By requiring executive agencies to submit major rulemaking proposals to Congress for a vote, the REINS Act would place a much-needed braking mechanism on a federal regulatory state that has grown far too large. Over time, Congress has made it a habit to delegate greater amounts of regulatory authority to federal agencies. Unfortunately, this high level of discretion to implement regulations has upset the careful balance between narrow technical expertise and broad political accountability. The REINS Act would begin the process of ensuring that regulatory agencies hew more closely to Congress’ intent; it is a crucial component in the effort to reform our nation’s regulatory system and restoring the separation of powers at the heart of our American experiment. NTU supports S. 92.
S. 3287, CFO Vision Act. This legislation introduced by Senators Enzi, Warner, and six other cosponsors, would bring much needed reforms to the Government Accountability Office, Office of Management and Budget, and Congress. Specifically, the CFO Vision Act would standardize and clarify the roles of agency CFOs and deputy CFOs across government, ensuring both consistency and continuity in agencies’ work to exceed the performance-based metrics outlined by the Act. It would also require CFOs to coordinate with other senior agency personnel, including the Chief Data Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Performance Officer, Chief Acquisition Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Evaluation Officer, on both strategic planning and risk management at the agencies. NTU Supports S. 3287.
S. 3038, Promoting Rigorous and Innovative Cost Efficiencies for Federal Procurement and Acquisitions Act. This legislation introduced by Senators Peters and Ernst directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish an annual report on projects that have used innovative procurement techniques within DHS to accomplish specific goals. Such goals listed are improving or encouraging better competition; reducing time to award; achieving cost savings; achieving better mission outcomes; meeting the goals for contracts awarded to small business concerns, among others. We believe the reforms in this legislation will better serve the public and taxpayers. NTU supports S. 3038.
S. 4200, Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act. This legislation introduced by Senators Portman and Hassan would modernize federal agencies to ensure the federal government operates more efficiently and effectively. It codifies a successful federal program that is proven to improve government and thereby save taxpayer dollars. NTU supports S. 4200.
NTU appreciates the Committee’s consideration of our views and looks forward to working with you as you work on a bipartisan basis to improve the effectiveness of our government.
Sincerely,
Thomas Aiello
National Taxpayers Union