McMorris Rodgers reintroduces bill to rein in government spending

In an effort to hold the federal government accountable for runaway spending, legislation reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on Wednesday would curb spending on government programs that was not authorized by Congress.

The Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act would outline a three-year sunset date for all unauthorized federal programs. Additionally, new authorizations and reauthorizations would include the same sunset clause to enhance scrutiny and oversight.

“Too much of the federal government is on autopilot, leaving the American people less able to effectively review, rethink and possibly eliminate government programs,” McMorris Rodgers, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, said. “The concept behind the USA Act is simple: every penny of taxpayer money should be subject to the American people’s scrutiny and accountability.”

The measure has the support of 27 lawmakers, including U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Bill Flores (R-TX), Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), John Ratcliffe (R-TX) and Jim Renacci (R-OH).

The legislation also has been backed by various groups, including Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW).

“CAGW has long supported the enactment of sunset legislation,” the group said. “The USA Act is an important step toward the goal of subjecting all federal programs and agencies to a periodic review.”

The number and cost of unauthorized programs is now equal to more than half of the non-defense discretionary budget and the United States is weighed down by nearly $20 trillion in national debt.

“The USA Act will compel authorizing committees to do their job more effectively and give taxpayers a much better idea of which programs are effective or essential, and which should be eliminated or pared back,” CAGW said.

The National Taxpayers Union also endorsed the bill, stating its passage would be a “huge win” for taxpayers.