Andy Harris (R-MD)
To amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require prior approval from Congress before the Comptroller General may pursue a civil action under such Act, and for other purposes.
A Republican bill with 6 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It specifically targets the authority of the Comptroller General to bring civil actions. Under this proposal, the Comptroller General would no longer have express power to act alone. Instead, the Comptroller General would be required to obtain prior approval from Congress. This approval must come in the form of a concurrent resolution.
Yes
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requiring a concurrent resolution may increase transparency regarding the intent behind legal actions to enforce budget laws.
- Scored +2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
By increasing Congressional oversight of impoundment, it may improve fiscal responsibility through legislative control over budget enforcement.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill limits the independent authority of a federal officer by requiring Congressional approval for legal actions.
- Scored -2
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Limiting the Comptroller General's ability to act independently could potentially weaken due process in enforcing fiscal laws.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Congressional Oversight: By requiring a concurrent resolution, Congress gains more control over whether a civil action is pursued, as noted in Section 1 (b).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restriction of Comptroller General Authority: The Comptroller General's ability to bring a civil action is limited because they can no longer act without first receiving approval from Congress, according to Section 1 (a) and Section 1 (b).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requiring a concurrent resolution may increase transparency regarding the intent behind legal actions to enforce budget laws. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill limits the independent authority of a federal officer by requiring Congressional approval for legal actions. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Limiting the Comptroller General's ability to act independently could potentially weaken due process in enforcing fiscal laws.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — By increasing Congressional oversight of impoundment, it may improve fiscal responsibility through legislative control over budget enforcement.
- 6/27/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Lauren BoebertRepublican · Colorado
Andrew ClydeRepublican · Georgia
Paul GosarRepublican · Arizona
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Mary MillerRepublican · Illinois