North Michigan News

House Budget Committee Oversight Task Force Chairman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) have introduced the Strengthening Administrative PAYGO (SAP) Act of 2024 in an effort to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority in controlling administrative spending. The bill aims to address the circumvention of the separation of powers by administrations utilizing executive actions to implement costly rules outside of Congressional oversight.

In a statement, Rep. Bergman emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, stating, “The Executive Branch should not be able to spend untold amounts of taxpayer money without going through the proper congressional channels. We still have the power of the purse and as for my colleagues and I on the House Budget Committee, we will ensure that power is respected.”

Rep. Arrington highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility and accountability, expressing disappointment in the Biden Administration's failure to adhere to the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). He asserted, “The SAP Act locks into law the accountability and transparency necessary to ensure that our nation's budget remains tethered to the principles of fiscal responsibility and congressional oversight.”

The SAP Act of 2024 aims to enhance oversight by requiring the submission of waiver determinations and budgetary effects to Budget Committees, ensuring budget neutrality, amending thresholds for exemptions, and making certain provisions permanent. This legislation seeks to restore Administrative PAYGO and hold future administrations accountable for their spending decisions.

The bill is a response to concerns regarding the unchecked use of executive actions to allocate taxpayer funds without proper congressional approval. By introducing the SAP Act, Rep. Bergman and Rep. Arrington are advocating for increased transparency and adherence to fiscal responsibility principles in government expenditures.