H.R. 4435 2
Defining the Problem
According to Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, there is a lack of review and
approval for over $500 billion in federal programs, which is a misuse of taxpayer dollars (2023).
There is a failure by both U.S. political parties to responsibly determine how much money is
spent, leading to reckless spending and lack of accountability. In 2023 Rodgers proposed the
H.R. 4435, “Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act.” This bill will ensure that Congress
(representatives of the people) will have control over how taxpayer money is spent, address and
reform the current budget process to prevent unauthorized and unreviewed spending, and require
that all programs receive proper review and approval before being funded (Rodgers, 2023).
May
Biblical guidelines and principles: It is the governments’ responsibility to protect the
inalienable rights of its citizens (Fischer, 2013). The Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act
aligns with biblical guidelines and principles by promoting responsible stewardship and
accountability in government spending. Natural Law refers to laws of morality ascertainable
through human reason (Mineshema-Lowe, 2009) and promotes the idea of wise management of
resources. Proverbs 21:20 states “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp
theirs down.” By ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly the act is respecting the
public’s inalienable rights by respecting their property. Lastly, the act stresses the role of
Congress in budgetary matters which maintains the balance of power between the branches of
government. The notion of sharing power and respecting autonomy of specific government
branches is keeping with the biblical idea of the covenant which seeks to empower and respect
those involved in the covenant. Which is one of the key components to this act.
Constitutional guidelines for federal and state involvement: Article 1, section 8 of the
Constitution states that Congress has the power to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and
H.R. 4435 3
excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United
States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United State” (“U.S.
Constitution ,” 1791). These powers allow congress to create and manage a federal budget and
spend money for the welfare of the country. This article and section of the Constitution support
the passage of this bill as it will aid the government to manage the federal budget in a way that is
beneficial to the country.
Can
Political Feasibility: According to Govtrack, this bill has to be passed, but has a 55% chance of
being enacted. The act has currently been passed by the House of Committee on Oversight and
Accountability. The legislation will now need to be passed by the full House of Representatives
(Rodgers, 2023). The act is also contingent on bipartisan support and the current political climate
is favoring better government financial responsibility. Garnering support from both parties may
be challenging because of the difference in priorities and views on federal spending. Though,
the current focus on addressing the nation’s debt and economic stability long term may increase
the attractiveness of this act.
Financial feasibility: The policy is expected to reduce the national debt and curb excessive
spending by requiring review and approval of federal programs. The act aims to prevent
unauthorized expenditures and ensures that taxpayer dollars will be allocated efficiently
(Rodgers, 2023). Implementing the bill would not significantly affect federal spending because
“spending allocations for 2025 and 2026 for the Committees on Appropriations have not yet
been set, and any changes to spending allocations would be subject to future appropriation
actions” (Swagel, 2023).
Practical feasibility: The implementation of this act would require dedicated personnel for
oversight, new programs that will be able to track and review expenditure, and infrastructure that
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can handle that level of data management (Rodgers, 2023). Additionally, there would need to be
streamlined coordination between various government departments to fast track approval
processes for programs. Clear guidelines and regular audits are a must inorder to enforce the act
effectively. The Congressional Budget Office predicts an initial investment of $500,000 but the
act will aid in long term saving and efficiency (Swagel, 2023).
Should
H.R. 4435 passes both the May and Can portions of the analysis. This policy has the
potential to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability by requiring review and approval for
federal programs instead of blatant unnecessary spending, thus aligning with biblical principles
of stewardship and good judgment. Also, this act provides constitutional mandates for
congressional control over federal spending. Given the potential benefits to the nation, this act
should be supported as long as proper and effective implementation measures are ensured.
References
Fischer, K. (2013). Biblical Principles of Government. Faculty Publications and
Presentations, 525. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/gov_fac_pubs/525
GovTrack.us. (2024). Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act (H.R. 4435).
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr4435
H.R. 4435 5
House Committee Passes McMorris Rodgers Bill to Rein In Unauthorized, Wasteful
Spending. (2023). Cathy McMorris Rodgers. https://mcmorris.house.gov/posts/house-
committee-passes-mcmorris-rodgers-bill-to-rein-in-unauthorized-wasteful-spending
Johns, N. (2023). NTU Letter on House Oversight Committee Markup. National
Taxpayers Union. https://www.ntu.org/publications/detail/ntu-letter-on-house-oversight-
committee-markup
Mineshema-Lowe, D. (2009). Natural Law. Www.mtsu.edu. https://www.mtsu.edu/first-
amendment/article/788/natural-law
Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act, no. H.R. 4435 (2023).
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr4435ih/pdf/BILLS-118hr4435ih.pdf
Swagel, P. (2023). Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate H.R. 4435, Unauthorized
Spending Accountability Act of 2023 As ordered reported by the House Committee on
Oversight and Accountability on July 12, 2023 Direct Spending (Outlays) 0 0 0 Revenues
0 0 0 Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit 0 0 0 Spending Subject to Appropriation
(Outlays) 0 * not estimated. https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-07/hr4435._0.pdf
The Holy Bible. (2002). American Bible Society.
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