Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) is introducing the Emergency Spending Accountability Act to impose guardrails on congressional emergency spending. The bill aims to require the federal government to pay off future emergency spending by 20% each year for five years and ensure it complies with the Balance Budget and Emergency Control Act of 1985 criteria. Stutzman argues that current emergency spending often lacks accountability, contributes to the national debt (now over $36 trillion), and is sometimes misused.
GOP bill takes aim at Congress' 'no rules apply' emergency spending
United StatesPoliticsBudget
AI Summary
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Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) is introducing the Emergency Spending Accountability Act to impose guardrails on congressional emergency spending. The bill aims to require the federal government to pay off future emergency spending by 20% each year for five years and ensure it complies with the Balance Budget and Emergency Control Act of 1985 criteria. Stutzman argues that current emergency spending often lacks accountability, contributes to the national debt (now over $36 trillion), and is sometimes misused.
- 1 1985: Balance Budget and Emergency Control Act established.
- 2 Early 1990s: Over $12 trillion in emergency spending added to the deficit since then.
- 3 2010: Rep. Marlin Stutzman first came to Washington.
- 4 Recently: Rep. Marlin Stutzman returned to the House.
- 5 Currently: Rep. Marlin Stutzman is set to introduce the Emergency Spending Accountability Act.
- Potential for increased fiscal responsibility in emergency spending
- Greater accountability for Congress
- Slower growth of national debt if passed
- Ongoing debate about federal budget practices
What: Introduction of the Emergency Spending Accountability Act by Rep. Marlin Stutzman to add guardrails and accountability to congressional emergency spending.
When: Bill is set to be introduced; Stutzman came to Washington in 2010; national debt grew from $9 trillion to over $36 trillion since then; early 1990s (over $12 trillion in emergency spending since then); Balance Budget and Emergency Control Act of 1985.
Where: Washington (U.S. Congress).
Why: To address the lack of accountability, uncontrolled growth of national debt due to emergency spending, and alleged misuse of funds, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used for actual emergencies and paid back.
How: The bill proposes requiring 20% annual repayment of emergency spending over five years and adherence to the 1985 Balance Budget and Emergency Control Act's criteria (necessary, sudden, urgent, unforeseen, not permanent).