CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

RepublicanBill · H.R. 4229· House(119-HR-4229)

To amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require prior approval from Congress before the Comptroller General may pursue a civil action under such Act, and for other purposes.

Rep. Harris
Age: 69 years
Maryland
Introduced
6/27/2025
Last activity
6/27/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by
Andy Harris
Cosponsors
Republican - 6Democrat - 0
Economics and Public Finance
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill aims to amend the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It specifically targets the authority of the Comptroller General to bring civil actions. Under this proposal, the Comptroller General would no longer have express power to act alone. Instead, the Comptroller General would be required to obtain prior approval from Congress. This approval must come in the form of a concurrent resolution.

Yes

  • Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2

    Requiring a concurrent resolution may increase transparency regarding the intent behind legal actions to enforce budget laws.

  • Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+2

    By increasing Congressional oversight of impoundment, it may improve fiscal responsibility through legislative control over budget enforcement.

The opposite

  • Does this give the federal government more power?-3

    The bill limits the independent authority of a federal officer by requiring Congressional approval for legal actions.

  • Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-2

    Limiting the Comptroller General's ability to act independently could potentially weaken due process in enforcing fiscal laws.