Rules Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The bill establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to systematically review all federal agencies and advisory committees. Its primary purpose is to enhance government efficiency and accountability by ensuring agencies are periodically evaluated for their necessity and effectiveness. The Commission will develop a schedule for these reviews, leading to the potential abolishment or reorganization of entities. Under this schedule, each agency must be reviewed and face abolishment at least once every 12 years, unless Congress explicitly reauthorizes its existence. Agencies performing similar functions will be reviewed concurrently to promote consolidation and efficiency. Congress can extend an agency's abolishment date by two years through a supermajority vote. The Commission will consist of 13 members, including one appointed by the President and 12 appointed by congressional leaders, with a mix of Members of Congress and experts. These members serve 6-year terms. The Commission is granted significant powers, including the authority to hold hearings, obtain information directly from agencies, and issue subpoenas to gather necessary evidence. Annually, the Commission must submit a report to Congress and the President, detailing its analysis of agency efficiency and public need based on specific criteria like cost-effectiveness, duplication, and compliance. This report will include recommendations for each agency to be abolished, reorganized, or continued, along with proposed administrative and legislative actions. Concurrently, the Commission will submit a joint resolution to Congress to implement its recommendations, which is subject to expedited legislative consideration.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Government Operations and Politics
Advisory bodiesCongressional oversightExecutive agency funding and structureGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLegislative rules and procedurePerformance measurement
Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-489| House
| Updated: 1/16/2025
The bill establishes the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to systematically review all federal agencies and advisory committees. Its primary purpose is to enhance government efficiency and accountability by ensuring agencies are periodically evaluated for their necessity and effectiveness. The Commission will develop a schedule for these reviews, leading to the potential abolishment or reorganization of entities. Under this schedule, each agency must be reviewed and face abolishment at least once every 12 years, unless Congress explicitly reauthorizes its existence. Agencies performing similar functions will be reviewed concurrently to promote consolidation and efficiency. Congress can extend an agency's abolishment date by two years through a supermajority vote. The Commission will consist of 13 members, including one appointed by the President and 12 appointed by congressional leaders, with a mix of Members of Congress and experts. These members serve 6-year terms. The Commission is granted significant powers, including the authority to hold hearings, obtain information directly from agencies, and issue subpoenas to gather necessary evidence. Annually, the Commission must submit a report to Congress and the President, detailing its analysis of agency efficiency and public need based on specific criteria like cost-effectiveness, duplication, and compliance. This report will include recommendations for each agency to be abolished, reorganized, or continued, along with proposed administrative and legislative actions. Concurrently, the Commission will submit a joint resolution to Congress to implement its recommendations, which is subject to expedited legislative consideration.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.