Of inquiry requesting the President to transmit certain information to the House of Representatives referring to United States Government agencies sharing certain communications with the public and Federal employees.
Summary
This House Resolution is an inquiry directed to the President requesting the transmission of documents and communications related to specific actions taken by government agencies during a potential lapse in appropriations. The resolution seeks information regarding directives from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), communications from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Education's out-of-office messages during the specified period. It also requests communications between various offices regarding potential violations of specific sections of the US Code related to the use of appropriated funds.
Expected Effects
If adopted, this resolution would compel the President to provide the requested documents to the House of Representatives within 14 days. This could lead to increased transparency regarding the actions taken by government agencies during the potential lapse in appropriations. The information obtained could be used for oversight and potential legislative action.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency and accountability of government agencies.
- Potential for identifying misuse of government resources or violations of law.
- Opportunity for Congress to conduct informed oversight.
- May lead to improved communication strategies during future government shutdowns.
- Could help prevent biased or politically motivated messaging from government agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for executive privilege to be invoked, limiting the release of information.
- The 14-day deadline may be difficult to meet, potentially leading to incomplete responses.
- The inquiry could be perceived as politically motivated, further polarizing the political climate.
- The cost of compiling and transmitting the requested documents could be significant.
- The focus on past actions may distract from addressing current issues.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the principle of congressional oversight, which is implied in Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, granting legislative powers to Congress. The request for information from the executive branch is a legitimate exercise of Congress's power to hold the executive accountable. However, the President may invoke executive privilege, a concept not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but recognized by the Supreme Court, to protect certain communications.
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).