Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
A bill to ensure the prudent obligation of budget authority, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
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 is about making sure government funds are spent wisely and on time. It amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by adding new rules for budget authority that is proposed to be rescinded, reserved, or deferred. It requires that funds be made available for obligation in enough time to be spent prudently. The bill states that funds cannot be deferred or withheld during the 90-day period before they expire. It also includes administrative requirements for the apportionment of appropriations so that all amounts are made available without preconditions not later than 90 days before they expire. Finally, the bill declares that a specific special message from September 25, 2026, relating to certain proposed rescissions, has no force or effect.
Yes
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The legislation establishes clearer administrative requirements and prevents pocket rescissions, making government fund management more accountable.
- Scored +3
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill ensures government funds are spent prudently and prevents the improper withholding of expiring budget authority.
- Scored +2
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill places tighter restrictions on executive branch handling and apportionment of federal budget authority.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 1(a) adding new section 1018(a)(1): This provision requires that budget authority proposed to be rescinded, reserved, or deferred must be made available for obligation in sufficient time to be prudently obligated. This is positive because it helps ensure that government funds are handled carefully and can actually be used as intended.
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Section 1(a) adding new section 1018(a)(2): This provision states that budget authority may not be deferred or otherwise withheld from obligation during the 90-day period before it expires. This is positive because it stops officials from holding back money right before the deadline, giving a clear window to use the funds before they run out.
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Section 1(a) adding new section 1018(b)(2): This provision requires that all amounts for obligation be made available without preconditions not later than 90 days before the expiration of the period of availability. This is positive because it removes roadblocks that might otherwise stop money from getting where it needs to go before the clock runs out.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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? — The legislation establishes clearer administrative requirements and prevents pocket rescissions, making government fund management more accountable. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill places tighter restrictions on executive branch handling and apportionment of federal budget authority.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill ensures government funds are spent prudently and prevents the improper withholding of expiring budget authority.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
- Introduced in Senate