Joyce’s bill increases oversight, transparency, accountability of Executive Branch

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) led six Republicans in introducing legislation that would let Congress more thoroughly analyze actions by the Executive Branch that may conflict with congressional intent.

“This action will help rein in agency officials who pursue a partisan agenda and ignore the limits placed upon them by Congress,” Rep. Joyce said. “I am proud to make this bill my first legislative action of the 118th Congress, and will continue to do everything in my power to create more opportunities to increase oversight in our country.”

Rep. Joyce on Jan. 10 sponsored the Faithful Execution of the Law Act, H.R. 264, with original cosponsors including U.S. Reps. Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Bob Latta (R-OH). The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

H.R. 264, if enacted, would amend section 530D of title 28 of the United States Code, which currently requires the Attorney General to report to Congress any time a U.S. Department of Justice official establishes or implements a policy to refrain from enforcing the law on the grounds that such provision is unconstitutional, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Joyce’s office.

Specifically, H.R. 264 would adjust existing law in two ways, making it applicable to all federal officials and all non-enforcement policies, and requiring a report to Congress when any federal official establishes or implements a non-enforcement policy, regardless of the grounds of non-enforcement, the summary says.  

“The Faithful Execution of the Law Act, expands current law to increase oversight, transparency, and accountability of the federal government,” said Rep. Joyce. “The bill creates another avenue for the Legislative Branch to review agency actions and ensure that they remain accountable to Congress and the American people.”