Five Committee Bills Advance in the House
Legislation improves government oversight and transparency
WASHINGTON – Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) released the following statement after the House passed five Committee bills under suspension of the rules, which kick start the Committee’s robust reform agenda for the 115th Congress:
“I applaud my colleagues for introducing these important pieces of legislation which promote good and efficient government. These bills will bring greater transparency and accountability to the federal government for the American taxpayer. Throughout this Congress, the Committee will focus on measures like these to reform the federal government.”
Bills include: H.R. 71, the Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act (Rep. Walberg, R-MI), H.R. 73, the Presidential Library Donation Reform Act (Rep. Duncan, R-TN), H.R. 70, the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments (Rep. Clay, D-MO), H.R. 72, the GAO Access and Oversight Act (Rep. Carter, R-GA), and H.R. 69, the Thoroughly Investigating Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Act (Rep. Blum, R-IA).
Background:
H.R. 71, the Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act (Rep. Walberg, R-MI):
- Requires agencies to report detailed cost and performance information on programs to the Office of Management and Budget for a government-wide program inventory.
H.R. 73, the Presidential Library Donation Reform Act (Rep. Duncan, R-TN):
- Requires presidential library fundraising organizations to disclose information regarding donors who contribute more than $200 each quarter to the National Archives.
H.R. 70, the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments (Rep. Clay, D-MO):
- Requires agencies to list all of their federal advisory committees on the agency website; requires agency heads to solicit and consider recommendations for advisory committee members; requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and report on agency compliance with law governing federal advisory committees.
H.R. 72, the GAO Access and Oversight Act (Rep. Carter, R-GA):
- Provides GAO with enhanced tools to oversee federal programs; clarifies that GAO has access to data, such as the National Directory of New Hires; provides GAO with an additional tool to ensure effectiveness in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
H.R. 69, the Thoroughly Investigating Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Act (Rep. Blum, R-IA):
- Ensures agencies cooperate with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC); clarifies OSC investigation procedures; ensures Congress has clear information on whistleblower reprisal throughout the federal government.