A recent alert from another disability advocacy organization crossed my desk today regarding H.R. 5766, creating the Federal Review Commission, sponsored by Congressman Tiahrt (R-KS) and H.R. 3282, the Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act sponsored by Congressman Brady (R-TX). These bills are described as supposedly helping government reform and increasing efficiency by giving these commissions (which are unelected) the power to examine federal programs and regulations and then reduce or shut down those programs; limit or eliminate items that "overlap or are duplicative." A prior Legislative Update explains the danger of Sunset Commissions in greater detail.
The alert states that the legislation is expected to go to the floor over the weekend. Although ACB did not expect legislative movement until next week, for caution's sake, this Washington Connection is being issued in advance.
Under the guise of ridding the federal bureaucracy of 'unneeded' agencies and 'unwanted' programs, these bills would empower these unelected commissions without any accountability or even transparency requirements to single-handedly make sweeping changes to programs, rules and regulations. The public, their representatives in Congress, advocates, none of them would be able to impact the commission. This sets a dangerous precedent.
"If Congress or the President can't muster enough votes to do away with a program or agency they find bothersome, those in power would have a commission they can depend on do what they have neither the political will nor popular support to do." - John Rowan, president of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
ACB joins with VVA, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), Head Start and other programs, agencies and organizations in encouraging members to contact their representatives and urge them to vote no on H.R. 5766 and H.R. 3282.
You can contact your Representatives through the House switchboard at 202-225-3121.
Day Al-Mohamed
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th St. NW
Washington DC 20005
Tel. 202-467-5081
dalmohamed@acb.org