H.R. 2174 - Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act of 2017

This bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, aims to establish a reauthorizing schedule for unauthorized Federal programs and contains three titles:

Title I: Sunset of Unauthorized Programs

- This title establishes a recurring three-year budgetary level reduction cycle for any unauthorized program, starting in fiscal year 2018.

- Budgetary levels for unauthorized programs are reduced by a certain percentage depending on the year following the expiration of the program's authorization.

- Unauthorized programs that cause budgetary level reductions for three consecutive years are terminated, with unobligated funds remaining available for valid obligations.

- No funds may be obligated for a terminated program in any fiscal year without an express reauthorization of the program by Congress.

- Budgetary level reductions can be nullified if a measure reducing direct spending is enacted into law before the fiscal year the reductions are expected to occur.

Title II: Spending and Accountability Commission

- Establishes the Spending and Accountability Commission, consisting of 14 members appointed by House and Senate leadership.

- The Commission is responsible for conducting comprehensive reviews of all Federal programs funded through direct spending and providing a legislative proposal for an authorization cycle for discretionary programs.

Title III: Reauthorization Cycle for Discretionary Programs

- Requires the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to Congress within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, establishing a reauthorization schedule for discretionary programs.

- Programs to be reauthorized for a period not exceeding three years, with a sunset provision for termination after a specified period.

This Act also includes provisions for expedited consideration of the legislative proposal in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Jason Smith

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