US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB564

Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

Saving Taxpayers’ Money and Paying America’s Debt Act

Impact

The passage of HB564 would have a direct impact on state and federal funding programs that were established under the American Rescue Plan. As these funds are rescinded, various programs relying on this financial support may face budget cuts or a reduction in the services they provide. This could affect a range of sectors, including health, education, and economic recovery efforts, which were previously bolstered by federal emergency funding. The bill reflects a growing sentiment among certain lawmakers that emphasizes the need to mitigate national debt, especially in light of extensive government spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary

House Bill 564, titled the 'Saving Taxpayers’ Money and Paying America’s Debt Act', was introduced to rescind the unobligated balance of appropriations made by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This bill aims to contribute to the reduction of the federal deficit by ensuring that unused funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan are cancelled and returned to the general fund of the Treasury. By eliminating these unobligated funds, the bill intends to prioritize fiscal responsibility and accountability regarding government spending.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated significant discussion among lawmakers, with critiques arising from members who see the rescission of these funds as detrimental to communities that are still in recovery from the pandemic's economic impact. Opponents of the measure argue that pulling back on these resources at a crucial time could undermine ongoing recovery initiatives and essential services necessary for public welfare. The tension between fiscal conservatism and the need for continued social support programs remains a significant point of contention surrounding HB564.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB109

This bill allows an individual taxpayer a deduction from gross income for insurance premiums paid for the health care coverage of the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents. The bill makes the deduction available whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions.

US HB1882

Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act

US HB243

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Farm Animals Act This bill requires producers to develop disaster preparedness plans that include adverse weather plans to be eligible for livestock indemnity payments and emergency loans due to adverse weather under certain agricultural disaster assistance programs.

US HB107

Freedom for Families Act This bill modifies requirements for health savings accounts (HSAs) to (1) exclude from gross income HSA distributions paid or distributed during a period of qualified caregiving, (2) allow participation in an HSA without enrollment in a high deductible health plan, and (3) increase the contribution limit for HSAs.

US HB194

Safeguards Ensuring Criminal and Unvetted Refugees don't Enter America Act or the SECURE America Act This bill imposes restrictions on the admission of aliens, including refugees, and addresses related issues. Specifically, no refugees may be admitted until Congress enacts a joint resolution setting the maximum number of refugees allowed to be admitted in a particular fiscal year. Currently, that number is set each fiscal year by the President. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must notify Congress at least 30 days before determining that an alien or class of aliens is eligible for refugee status. Congress may nullify the determination by enacting a joint resolution of disapproval. Further, an alien shall be inadmissible for holding certain beliefs, such as (1) believing that a system of religious law should be implemented in the United States, (2) believing that the alien does not need to learn English if the alien is not already fluent, or (3) any belief that the Department of State determines is incompatible with the principles of the United States. DHS may not parole into the United States an alien who does not have status under immigration law. Currently, DHS may provide parole in certain instances, including for urgent humanitarian reasons. Federal agencies must notify a state at least 30 days before resettling a refugee in that state. The refugee may not be resettled in that state if the state expresses disapproval. An alien who has committed a crime of violence (generally one involving the use or threat of physical violence against person or property) may not be eligible for refugee status and must be removed.

US HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification. Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters. The bill also requires an election official to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

US HB215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

US HB158

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Public Service Act or the CLEAN Public Service Act This bill excludes Members of Congress from further retirement coverage under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System following the enactment of the bill. It also prohibits further government contributions or deductions from a Member's basic pay for deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. This exclusion does not affect a Member's eligibility to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.

US HB117

This bill prohibits any entity that receives specified COVID-19 relief funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. An entity that violates this prohibition must return the funding it received.

US SB4378

Protecting American Taxpayers Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.