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Saturday, July 29, 2006

They're Home for August... Don't Give Them a Break!
Members of Congress are flocking home for the August recess. This is their prime time for checking in with you, raising money from you, and trying to keep your votes.

They have a lot to answer for. We have seen too many proposals for backdoor ways to cut the programs we care about. Everything from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Social Security Administration to the programs that nonprofits in your community rely on -- everything would be at risk from sunset commission bills, and all of the other bad ideas out there (ranging from the grab-bag of bad ideas in the Gregg Senate bill to the line item veto).

So hold them accountable! Any time you see your representative, whether it's a meet-and-greet or a town hall meeting, is a time to demand answers.

Download our tips for standing up and demanding answers about sunsets.

Posted by Robert Shull, 02:57:26 PM

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Just Like Texas? Nope.
Find out how the Tiahrt bill's sunset commissions would be very different from the Texas sunset commission.

Posted by Robert Shull, 06:07:31 PM

On the Ropes, On the Run? More Delays?

So, is there a stumble in the race to a floor vote for the sunset bills?

The Brady bill has already been pushed back to September. Now there are signs that the Tiahrt bill is likewise being pushed back.

The Rules Committee did not propose a rule to govern floor consideration of the Tiahrt bill, and this is a requirement that has to be met essentially 24 hours before a bill can get a vote on the House floor. There are "martial law" exceptions, that would waive the 24-hour period, and the Rules Committee has taken up martial law measures to allow votes ASAP on estate tax, pensions, and minimum wage -- but not sunsets.

We have been hearing mixed signals from the Hill. Most signals are that the Tiahrt bill is off until September, but other signals squeak through suggesting all is not yet over this weekend.

Stay tuned, though. Everything is happening all at once, and there is no guarantee that we're in the clear!

Posted by Robert Shull, 06:00:17 PM

Delay, Times Two
On the heels of the discovery that the Brady sunset commission bill has been delayed comes the news that the Tiahrt sunset commission bill is also delayed.

The vote planned for today is being postponed, to tomorrow or possibly after the August recess.

Any delay is a sign that grassroots calls and letters DO work. Keep the pressure on -- visit www.OMBWatch.org/sunset/action today!

Posted by Robert Shull, 12:33:03 PM

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Sunset Commissions Updates
Check out the latest on sunset commissions:

Legislative Update: July 26, 2006

Veterans Groups Oppose Sunset Commission Bills

Posted by Robert Shull, 04:08:24 PM

Firefighters and Religious Groups Oppose Sunsets
The amount of organizations in opposition to sunset legislation has been continuously mounting. These efforts have advanced as groups are compiling unique letters to send to Congress addressing how a sunset commission would affect their programs and concerns. Voices of apprehension include organizations that span all areas of public interest and faith communities. This encouraging manifestation of written opposition shows that federal programs across-the-board will be vulnerable if sunset commission legislation moves forward.

The International Association of Firefighters' letter reaffirms the need for debate and evaluation of programs, but asks that this process be done by members of Congress as they were elected to do and not by an unelected commission that is appointed in a partisan manner. "While we are happy to have Congress debate the merits of any programs we support, we believe that this debate should occur through the normal legislative process. We fear that presidentially-appoointed sunset commissions could be used to circumvent the will of Congress, and provide the Administration with a 'back-door' method to eliminate programs or proposals to which it is opposed, such as the FIRE Act."

An interreligious working group on domestic human needs noted that the sunset bill could have alarming negative consequences including expanding executive power, cutting those affected by programs out of the evaluation and budget process, and threatening public accountability by appointing unelected officials to supersede congressional oversight. Instead, members of Congress must insist on "budget policies that lift up the most vulnerable, promote economic justice for all, and strengthen our life and future together as a nation and as part of the global community."

Posted by Amanda Adams, 03:00:21 PM

League of Conservation Voters Opposes Sunsets
The League of Conservation Voters has come out against sunset commission legislation today and has announced it is strongly considering scoring the vote on the Tiahrt bill, H.R. 5766, tomorrow. From their letter to members of the House of Representatives:

A broad range of programs fall under the purview of this commission. Grants to help state and local governments upgrade their sewer systems are at risk, as is funding for youth sports fields and parks, and even heating and weatherization assistance for the poor.
Rather than creating the “Sunset Commission,” Congress should assert its traditional oversight authority and demand results from programs or agencies that are deemed ineffective. The authorization and appropriations process provide an annual opportunity for this review. In addition, the Government Accountability Office also oversees federal programs and agencies, as do numerous agency Inspectors General.

LCV joins a growing batallion of over four hunderd groups that have voiced their opposition to sunset commission legislation.

Posted by Genevieve Smith, 12:50:21 PM

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Opposition Statements on H.R. 5766
The House Government Reform Committee's Democratic members have a strong opposition statement in the committee report to H.R. 5766 (H. Rep. 109-594 pt.I).

More after the jump >>>

Posted by Robert Shull, 03:00:06 PM

Monday, July 24, 2006

Opposition to Sunsets: Who's Who
Who opposes sunset commission legislation? Everybody who's anybody. Check out the latest batch of opposition letters:

More after the jump >>>

Posted by Robert Shull, 06:43:25 PM

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Latest on Sunsets
A vote will probably happen next week in the House, as two bills race to the floor. Click here for more.

Posted by Robert Shull, 12:54:41 PM

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Sunset Bill Emerges in House
The negotiations may be over: Rep. Todd Tiahrt introduced a new sunset commission bill, with Reps. Tom Davis and Jon Porter as cosponsors. Click here to learn more.

Posted by Robert Shull, 02:07:02 PM

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Iraq War, Veterans, and Sunsets
Stop everything and read this article about the new threat that Iraq war veterans are facing when they come home: homelessness. Homeless vets rely on a network of services that includes the VA's own Homeless Vets Program, HUD programs, and HHS community services programs.

All of those programs would be placed on the chopping block if Congress passes a sunset commission proposal. House leadership has threatened to bring a sunset commission proposal to the floor after this week's July 4 recess.

You can take action to stop this threat!

Posted by Robert Shull, 11:16:55 AM

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