This bill would create a new Federal Agency Sunset Commission tasked with regularly reviewing federal agencies to determine whether they should continue operating, be reorganized, or be shut down. Here's how it would work: The commission would develop a schedule requiring every federal agency to be reviewed at least once every 12 years. Unless Congress votes to keep an agency alive (by reauthorizing it), that agency would automatically be abolished on the scheduled date. Congress could extend an agency's life for up to two more years if both the House and Senate vote by supermajority to do so.

The commission itself would have 13 members appointed by congressional leaders and the President, including some members of Congress and outside experts in government operations. When reviewing agencies, the commission would examine whether they're operating efficiently, whether their programs are cost-effective, if they're duplicating work done by other agencies, and whether they've strayed from their original purpose. The commission would hold public hearings, gather information from agencies, and submit yearly reports to Congress with recommendations about which agencies should be abolished, reorganized, or consolidated.

The bill includes detailed procedures for how Congress would vote on the commission's recommendations. Joint resolutions proposing agency changes would get fast-tracked consideration with limited debate time (10 hours total) and no amendments allowed, making it easier for Congress to act on the commission's proposals. If Congress doesn't vote within a year, the proposal automatically takes effect. The goal is to create a systematic way to regularly evaluate whether federal agencies are still needed and working effectively, rather than letting outdated agencies continue indefinitely.

Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2023

Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act of 2023 This bill provides for the establishment of the Federal Agency Sunset Commission to submit to Congress a schedule for review and abolishment of each agency, including each advisory committee. The schedule for review shall be in the form of a joint resolution. Each agency shall be abolished unless reauthorized by Congress. For each agency, the commission must schedule a date of abolishment to occur at least once every 12 years. The commission must (1) review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency using specified criteria; (2) analyze the authority claimed by the executive branch but not specifically authorized by statute; (3) recommend whether each agency should be abolished, reorganized, or continued; and (4) report to Congress on introduced legislation that would establish a new agency or a new program. The Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Congressional Research Service, shall prepare an inventory of federal programs to assist Congress and the commission in carrying out this bill. The bill provides for expedited consideration of the schedule for review and abolishment.