The "Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025" establishes a commission to review the efficiency and public need for federal agencies, setting a schedule for their potential abolishment unless Congress reauthorizes them. This act aims to increase government accountability by ensuring regular evaluation and potential elimination of federal programs.
Michael Cloud
Representative
TX-27
The "Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025" establishes a commission to review the efficiency and public need for federal agencies, potentially leading to their abolishment unless Congress reauthorizes them. The commission will submit recommendations to Congress, which will then vote on whether to abolish, reorganize, or continue each agency. This act aims to increase government accountability and efficiency by regularly evaluating the necessity and performance of federal agencies. The bill also creates a program inventory to help with the review process.
Every Federal Agency on the Chopping Block? New Bill Could Slash Government Unless Congress Acts
The Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025 is shaking things up by proposing a review of every federal agency, potentially leading to their elimination unless Congress explicitly votes to save them. This isn't a drill – within a year, the newly formed Federal Agency Sunset Commission will set a schedule, giving each agency a specific 'sunset' (abolishment) date. (SEC. 2). Unless Congress steps in with a reauthorization, that agency is gone.
The Axe or the Okay: How Agencies Will Be Judged
This bill sets up a 13-member commission – a mix of appointees from the President, Senate, and House. (SEC. 3). Their job? To scrutinize every agency, from the big names down to the small advisory committees, at least once every 12 years. They'll be looking at whether an agency is actually effective, if it's duplicating work done elsewhere, if it's sticking to its legal mandate, and even how well it listens to the public. (SEC. 4 & 5). Think of it like a performance review, but with the power to shut down the whole operation.
For example, if you're a small business owner dealing with regulations from multiple agencies that seem to overlap, this commission could recommend streamlining those agencies, potentially making compliance easier. Or, if you're a farmer dependent on a specific USDA program, that program's future could be on the line if the commission deems it unnecessary or inefficient.
Fast Track to Abolishment?
Here's where it gets interesting: the commission's recommendations go to Congress on a fast track. (SEC. 9). Debate is limited, amendments are banned, and committees have a short window to weigh in before a final vote. This 'expedited consideration' is designed to force Congress to make clear decisions, but it also means less time for thorough debate and public input.
One potential issue is that agencies could get axed based on political pressure, even if they're doing valuable work. The bill does require public hearings and input (SEC. 4), but the fast-tracked process in Congress could limit how much that input matters. Also, the bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive inventory of all federal programs (SEC. 8). While this could improve transparency, the sheer volume of information could also become overwhelming, making it harder to track what's actually happening.
Built-In Instability?
The bill also includes a provision that if the President signs off on the commission's recommendations, and Congress does nothing for a year, those recommendations automatically become law. (SEC. 9). This could lead to agencies being abolished by default, even without a direct vote from Congress. While the stated goal is to force action and accountability, it also creates a system where inaction has major consequences. This 'sunset' approach could also create constant uncertainty for agencies and the people who rely on them, making long-term planning difficult.