Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt Response and Recovery Act; HELP Response and Recovery Act
Summary
The HELP Response and Recovery Act amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 by repealing section 695 (6 U.S.C. 794), which contains obsolete DHS contracting requirements. It also mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit annual reports to specific congressional committees. These reports will review the impact of the repeal on preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, as well as promoting taxpayer savings.
Expected Effects
The repeal of obsolete contracting requirements aims to streamline the contracting process during urgent and compelling circumstances. The reports will provide transparency regarding contracts entered into without soliciting bids, including details such as the contract's subject, obligated amounts, and the affected state or disaster. This could lead to more efficient disaster response and recovery efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined contracting during emergencies.
- Potential for reduced waste, fraud, and abuse in contracting.
- Increased transparency in emergency contracting processes.
- Potential taxpayer savings through more efficient spending.
- Improved oversight through mandated reporting to Congress.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced oversight due to the removal of contracting requirements.
- Risk of increased sole-source contracts without sufficient justification.
- Reporting requirements may create an administrative burden.
- The effectiveness of the repeal depends on the Secretary of Homeland Security's implementation and oversight.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the repealed requirements were serving a purpose not immediately apparent.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting efficient government operations and providing for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, including those related to disaster response. The reporting requirements ensure Congressional oversight, maintaining the balance of power.
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).