Number: RL32726
Title: Proposals for a Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies (CARFA): Analysis and Issues for Congress
Authors: Clinton T. Brass, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: In the 109th Congress, for the third consecutive Congress, companion bills have been introduced (S. 1155/H.R. 2470) that, if enacted, would establish a Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies (CARFA). As discussed later in this report, these two bills differ from one another in some key respects, including the procedure for appointing commission members, the agencies that would be within the proposed commission's scope, and requirements for use of "funds saved" as a result of the commission's plan and recommendations.2 Nonetheless, if either version of the legislation is enacted, the proposed CARFA Act would require this "review commission," made up of 12 members, to review certain federal agencies and programs to determine if any covered agencies or programs are duplicative, wasteful, inefficient, outdated, irrelevant, or failed. The proposed CARFA would be required (or in some cases in the Senate version, allowed instead of required) to recommend that any such programs and agencies be realigned or eliminated. The commission's recommendations would then be packaged into an implementation bill that would receive expedited congressional consideration, including prohibitions on amendments and restrictions on procedural delays.
Pages: 53
Date: November 10, 2005