Dear Representative:
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the independent political voice for the environment. Each year, LCV publishes the National Environmental Scorecard, which details the voting records of Members of Congress on environmental legislation. The Scorecard is distributed to LCV members, concerned voters nationwide, and the press.
LCV urges you to oppose H.R. 5766, the Government Efficiency Act of 2006. This bill threatens innumerable environmental protections and undermines Congressional authority. This bill places dramatic legislative authority in the hands of an unelected “Sunset Commission” appointed by the White House and answerable to no one. The commission could review and make recommendations on a broad range of programs, including those that protect our communities from the dangers of dirty water and air. Furthermore, the bill provides an expedited process for Congressional consideration of commission recommendations, further limiting public scrutiny.
A broad range of programs fall under the purview of this commission. Grants to help state and local governments upgrade their sewer systems are at risk, as is funding for youth sports fields and parks, and even heating and weatherization assistance for the poor.
Rather than creating the “Sunset Commission,” Congress should assert its traditional oversight authority and demand results from programs or agencies that are deemed ineffective. The authorization and appropriations process provide an annual opportunity for this review. In addition, the Government Accountability Office also oversees federal programs and agencies, as do numerous agency Inspectors General.
The commission would not be held accountable for its assessments or proposals. It would not be obligated to open its record to Congress or the public, or to take public comment. We urge you to take a stand against this threat to programs that protect the health and environment of Americans, by voting NO on H.R. 5766. LCV has scored votes related to environmental rollbacks on numerous occasions in the past, and the Political Advisory Committee will strongly consider including this vote in compiling LCV’s 2006 Scorecard. If you need more information, please call Tiernan Sittenfeld or Nat Mund at my office at (202) 785-8683.
