Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025
Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would create a new "Sunset Commission" tasked with reviewing every federal agency and advisory committee to determine whether they should continue operating. Under the proposal, agencies would automatically shut down unless Congress votes to keep them running. The commission would evaluate each agency at least once every 12 years, examining whether it's efficient, still needed, and operating within its legal authority. The commission would then recommend to Congress whether agencies should be abolished, reorganized, or continued. **Who It Affects** This bill would impact federal agencies and their employees, Congress, and potentially the public services those agencies provide—ranging from environmental protection to healthcare to national defense.
Any advisory committees attached to federal agencies would also be subject to review. Essentially, it affects how the federal government operates and what functions it maintains. **Key Provisions & Current Status** The bill requires the commission to analyze whether executive branch agencies are doing things Congress never actually authorized them to do, and to report on any new agency legislation introduced in Congress. The Government Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office would assist with reviews. As of now, the bill is in committee and has not been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2025This bill provides for the establishment of the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to submit to Congress a schedule for review and abolishment of each agency, including each advisory committee. The schedule for review shall be in the form of a joint resolution. Each agency shall be abolished unless reauthorized by Congress. For each agency, the commission must schedule a date of abolishment to occur at least once every 12 years.The commission must (1) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (2) analyze the authority claimed by the executive branch but not specifically authorized by statute; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished, reorganized, or continued; and (4) report to Congress on introduced legislation that would establish a new agency or a new program.The Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Congressional Research Service, shall prepare an inventory of federal programs to assist Congress and the commission in carrying out this bill.The bill provides for expedited congressional consideration of the schedule for review and abolishment.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.