Perhaps the best thing about August is that Congress is not in session and it gives one the opportunity to put out more information to individuals about the results of their actions and activities. In this case, ACB actions have led to a qualified success.
The Washington Connection Legislative Update for July 28, talked about Sunset Provisions, specifically H.R. 5766, sponsored by Congressman Tiahrt (R-KS) and H.R. 3282, sponsored by Congressman Brady (R-TX).
As described in previous Updates, Sunset provision legislation involves the creation of separate independent unelected commissions to review programs to see if they are ineffective, inefficient, or duplicative and if they deem so, to either eliminate those programs or alter the funding of those 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.
Many groups had predicted that both bills would come to a floor vote before the August recess. Instead, both were pulled from the voting calendar because of the pressure that legislators were receiving from constituents. Those calls and letters do make a difference! And the shelving of the bills is proof.
However, before we get too complacent with our victory, there is some behind-the-scenes negotiating going on to get the support needed for a floor vote (not unlike ACB’s current work to bring S. 2686, the telecom bill to the floor). And both Tiahrt and Brady have vowed to bring their bills back. That means that there is a chance that sunset commission legislation will show up when Congress returns in September.
ACB will continue to monitor the issue closely and apprise you of any new developments.
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