To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a notification of certain construction projects using nonstandard designs.
Summary
H.R. 7054 mandates the Secretary of State to notify Congress before obligating funds for construction projects of US embassies or consulates that utilize nonstandard designs. This notification must occur at least 15 days prior to fund allocation. The bill aims to ensure that standardization in construction is prioritized, with customization kept to a minimum.
Expected Effects
The bill will increase congressional oversight of the Department of State's construction projects, particularly those involving embassies and consulates. It will likely lead to more scrutiny of project costs, timelines, and security considerations when nonstandard designs are chosen.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the Department of State's construction projects.
- Potential cost savings by encouraging the use of standardized designs.
- Improved security through the implementation of standardized security features.
- Enhanced congressional oversight of executive branch spending.
- Greater accountability for project selection and execution.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in project implementation due to the notification requirement.
- Increased administrative burden on the Department of State.
- Possible limitations on design flexibility, potentially hindering adaptation to specific local contexts.
- Risk of political gridlock if Congress disagrees with the Secretary's justification for nonstandard designs.
- Potential for increased costs if standardized designs are not suitable for all locations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principle of congressional oversight of the executive branch, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to appropriate funds and oversee their expenditure. It also aligns with the general welfare clause, as it aims to ensure efficient and secure construction of US facilities abroad.
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).