Fischer and Lankford Introduce Bill to Bring Transparency to Unfunded Mandates

Press Release

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced S. 189 - The Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act this morning. Their legislation would close loopholes that allow federal agencies to impose mandates on state and local governments (as well as the private sector) without first providing a transparent accounting of their costs.

Senator Fischer released the following statement:

"The federal government's ongoing expansion into the lives of all Americans comes with a serious cost--a cost that is often hidden from the taxpayer. Our citizens deserve a full and accurate accounting of their tax dollars, and federal agencies should be required to justify their expenditures.

"The legislation Senator Lankford and I introduced will restore transparency and accountability to our federal agencies. It will scrutinize new unfunded mandates while creating other avenues to address ones that are already on the books. The president and Congress have already committed to reining in unfunded mandates. It is time to follow through on this and present bold solutions that will hold our government accountable."

Senator Lankford released the following statement:

"While the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 has brought more accountability and transparency on the economic impacts that Washington has on state and local governments and the private sector, loopholes still exist that allow entire agencies and major rules to sidestep this vital process. Legislation like the Unfunded Mandate Information and Transparency Act is needed to bring accountability back to Washington. The Government Accountability Office has recommended reforms like this for years. This Senate was elected to bring change to Washington -- this reform is exactly what needs to be sent to the President's desk."

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