Hearing of the
Rules Subcommittee on Technology and the House
Hearing on “1995 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act - An Overview of Effectiveness and Opportunities for Enhancement”
TIME: 10:30 AM
ROOM:H-313, The Capitol
WITNESSES
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The Honorable Rob Portman, (R-OH)
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The Honorable Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, Congressional Budget Office
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The Honorable Bob Etheridge (D-NC)
OVERVIEW
On March 22, 1995, President Clinton signed into law the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, which amended title IV of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974. The law, which took effect on January 1, 1996, was designed to provide information to Congress and the public about Federal mandates on state and local governments to ensure the availability of complete information on the costs and effects of such legislation. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) was enacted in 1995 “[t]o curb the practice of imposing unfunded Federal mandates on States and local governments; [and] to strengthen the partnership between the Federal Government and State, local and tribal governments.” The Act established new procedures designed to ensure that both the Federal government fully consider the potential effects of unfunded Federal mandates before imposing them on State and local governments or the private sector. These changes, including new points of order, were made in order to make it easier for UMRA's requirements to be enforced.
PURPOSE OF HEARING
Pursuant to the Subcommittee's original jurisdiction regarding procedures governing the consideration of legislation on the floor of the House, the purpose of this oversight hearing will be to examine the effectiveness of the 1995 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act in 2002 and prior years. Specifically, the Subcommittee will review whether UMRA has worked to ensure that prior to enacting legislation with unfunded mandates on state or local governments, or the private sector, that the Congress gives these measures appropriate consideration and review. In past reviews, it seems to have had a positive effect on limiting the imposition of new unfunded mandates by Congress, especially those imposed on State and local governments.
