Sunset Commissions Update: Take Action - June 13, 2006 Vol. 7, No. 12

June 13, 2006 Vol. 7, No. 12:

Published: 06/13/2006

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Washington Post Speaks Out

The Washington Post recently editorialized against a related commission proposal that, although not exactly a sunset commission proposal, would nonetheless force sweeping government reforms through Congress on fast-track procedures.

Rejecting the use of an unelected commission, the Post charged that the very concept starts from the premise that "the political system is so broken it must outsource these fundamental policy questions."

The Washington Post adds: "But rewriting the tax code, restructuring Social Security and reshaping government-paid health care are not parochial matters like military bases that call for a special process to overcome elected officials' geographic and political self-interest. They are the bedrock questions of government and the job of elected officials, who should look at [the] proposal and feel embarrassed that it has come to this."

Sunset Commissions Update: Take Action

Reports coming from GOP leadership about the timing of sunset commission legislation are conflicting, with one report suggesting that a bill could be considered in the House as early as next week, but agree all the same that some vehicle will move this summer.

In the past few days, rumors have circulated that House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) was leading efforts to combine differing sunset commission bills, with the Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) bill (H.R. 2470) the centerpiece bill to be supplemented by language from the other leading bills.

Reports emerging from Boehner's office present differing pictures about the possible timeline for House consideration of sunset commission legislation. Some Hill sources suggest that it is unlikely the negotiations have produced a final vehicle ready for release next week. Meanwhile, CongressDaily reports that floor consideration of a sunset commission proposal could take place as soon as next week, immediately after the House votes on the line-item veto.

OMB Watch, Public Citizen, and a number of other groups have organized a broad coalition to oppose sunset commission legislation. Because GOP leaders have not indicated which bill will be moved forward, but clearly intend to strong-arm a bill through, OMB Watch has created a sunset commission resource center and encourage community groups visit it frequently. Individuals can also take action and call on their representatives to oppose these dangerous proposals.