An Act To advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock.
Summary
The "Breaking the Gridlock Act" addresses several distinct policy areas. It establishes a congressional time capsule, standardizes fire suppression cost share agreements, and extends funding for the Udall Foundation. The act also mandates a strategy to counter Boko Haram, requires reporting from the Veterans Interagency Task Force, and creates a veterans pilot program.
Expected Effects
The act will lead to the creation of a time capsule, changes in fire suppression agreements, and continued funding for specific programs. It will also require the development of a strategy to address Boko Haram and a feasibility study on TSA commuting benefits. Additionally, it aims to restore improperly withheld taxes from veterans' severance payments and prohibits the transfer of sensitive data to foreign adversaries.
Potential Benefits
- Establishes a Congressional Time Capsule for the semiquincentennial, preserving historical items.
- Standardizes fire suppression cost share agreements, ensuring timely reimbursements to local fire departments.
- Extends funding for the Udall Foundation, supporting environmental and Native American leadership programs.
- Requires a strategy to counter Boko Haram, addressing security and humanitarian concerns in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
- Restores improperly withheld taxes from severance payments to veterans with combat-related injuries.
Potential Disadvantages
- The act includes appropriations that may increase the national debt.
- The time capsule provision may be seen as symbolic rather than substantive.
- The effectiveness of the Boko Haram strategy depends on the cooperation of the Nigerian government and regional partners.
- The feasibility study on TSA commuting benefits may not result in actual benefits for TSA employees.
- Some provisions, such as the flag procurement requirement, may increase costs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The act generally aligns with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare and raise and support armies. The provisions related to veterans' affairs and national security fall under these powers. The prohibition on transferring sensitive data to foreign adversaries aligns with the government's responsibility to provide for the common defense and protect national security. The act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).