Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Executive Transparency Act

Summary

The Executive Transparency Act mandates annual briefings to specific congressional committees by various high-ranking government officials. These officials include cabinet secretaries, agency administrators, and directors. The briefings aim to enhance congressional oversight and accountability within the executive branch.

Expected Effects

This act will likely increase the flow of information from the executive branch to Congress. It could lead to more informed legislative decisions and potentially greater oversight of executive actions. However, it may also create additional administrative burdens for the executive branch.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased transparency and accountability of executive branch officials.
  • Improved congressional oversight and decision-making.
  • Potential for more informed public discourse on government activities.
  • Enhanced ability for Congress to identify and address potential issues or inefficiencies within the executive branch.
  • Greater responsiveness of executive agencies to congressional concerns.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increased administrative burden on executive branch officials.
  • Potential for political grandstanding during briefings.
  • Risk of information overload for congressional committees.
  • Possible delays in executive action due to briefing requirements.
  • Potential for selective disclosure of information by executive branch officials.

Constitutional Alignment

The Executive Transparency Act aligns with the principle of checks and balances, as outlined in Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, which vests legislative powers in Congress. The Act facilitates congressional oversight of the executive branch, ensuring accountability. It supports the concept of informed consent of the governed, a core tenet of representative democracy.

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).