Bill > HR5220

This bill aims to strengthen congressional oversight and control over federal spending and emergency powers. The legislation, known as the "Congressional Power of the Purse Act" and the "REPUBLIC Act," introduces several key provisions. First, it modifies the Impoundment Control Act to prevent the executive branch from withholding or delaying budget allocations without congressional approval. The bill establishes new reporting requirements for federal agencies, mandates more transparency in budget processes, and gives the Comptroller General (the head of the Government Accountability Office) enhanced powers to investigate and challenge potential budget violations. For national emergencies, the bill creates a more rigorous congressional review process, requiring presidents to obtain congressional approval within 45 days of declaring an emergency and limiting the duration of emergencies to one year without renewal. The legislation also requires more detailed reporting on emergency declarations, including estimated costs and specific actions taken. Additionally, the bill mandates the publication of certain legal opinions from the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel and creates new oversight mechanisms for presidential emergency action documents. These changes are designed to reassert congressional authority over federal spending and emergency powers, providing more checks and balances on executive branch actions.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5220/all-info