The USA Act is Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’s latest effort to help restore the voice of, “We, the People,” and reclaim the power of the purse on behalf of America’s families and individuals.  Here’s a closer look at the support mounting for McMorris Rodgers’s USA Act:

National Taxpayers Union: Coalition to Congress – Increase Accountability, Stop Funding Unauthorized Programs

“On behalf of the millions of members and supporters of our organizations, we write in support of the Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act of 2016. Your legislation is needed to force Congress to better exercise its power of the purse by requiring the periodic authorization of federal programs. According to the Congressional Budget Office, in fiscal year (FY) 2016, Congress appropriated $310.4 billion to 256 programs and activities that are no longer authorized. That equates to roughly one-quarter of the discretionary budget and more than half of the non-defense discretionary budget.”

“While discretionary spending must be scrutinized and programs must be held accountable for their results, nearly two-thirds of the federal budget is comprised of mandatory spending. For this reason, the USA Act would wisely create a Spending Accountability Commission that would conduct comprehensive reviews of federal programs funded by mandatory spending. And, in the event Congress cannot agree on whether an unauthorized program should continue, the commission could propose reductions in mandatory spending to offset any unauthorized program remaining on the books. This mechanism would provide Congress with additional flexibility as it seeks to improve the effectiveness of government spending.”

“Again, we commend you on your thoughtful approach to increasing accountability, which will result in reducing unnecessary federal spending. Our organizations are pleased to endorse the USA Act, and we hope all Members of Congress will join you in working toward its swift passage.

Americans for Prosperity: AFP Pens Letter Supporting McMorris Rodgers’ Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act

“On behalf of more than 2.8 million Americans for Prosperity activists in all 50 states, I write in strong support of your legislation, the Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act of 2016 (USA Act), which creates a Commission to review program authorizations. This legislation will bring much-needed oversight in how Washington spends Americans’ tax dollars.

“As Ronald Reagan once observed, ‘No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.’ The problem of spending on unauthorized programs and agencies is a notable illustration—even though certain programs and agencies have technically expired, they continue to receive appropriations.

“We hear consistent promises from people seeking elected office to fix Washington spending. Unfortunately, few are willing or able to put their words into action once they assume office. The Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act is a notable exception. Americans for Prosperity is proud to support your effort to solve the problem of unauthorized spending, and we encourage your colleagues to support it.”

Citizens Against Government Waste: CCAGW Endorses Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) endorses the Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act. CCAGW President Tom Schatz said: “The USA Act is an important step toward the goal of subject all federal programs and agencies to a periodic review. The number and cost of unauthorized programs is now equal to more than half of the non-defense discretionary budget, which is unnecessary and unacceptable. The USA Act will compel authorizing committees to do their job more effectively and give taxpayers a much better idea of which programs are effective or essential, and which should be eliminated or pared back. […] CCAGW congratulates Conference Chair McMorris Rodgers for her leadership on this vital legislation.  She has worked hard to introduce a bill that should be supported by every member of Congress that cares about accountability and transparency.”

The following Representatives have also cosponsored the USA Act: Reps. Brian Babin (TX-36), Joe Barton (TX-6), Dan Benisheck (MI-1), Rob Bishop (UT-1), Diane Black (TN-6), Dave Brat (VA-7), Ken Buck (CO-4), Bradley Byrne (AL-1), Kevin Cramer (ND), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Blake Farenthold (TX-27), Bill Flores (TX-17), Trent Franks (AZ-8), Glenn Grothman (WI-6), Andy Harris (MD-01), Richard Hudson (NC-8), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Tom McClintock (CA-4), David McKinley (WV-1), Luke Messer (IN-6), Markwayne Mullin (OK-2), Dan Newhouse (WA-4), Pete Olson (TX-22), Gary Palmer (AL-6), Tom Price (GA-6), James Renacci (OH-16), Reid Ribble (WI-8), David Rouzer (NC-07), Ann Wagner (MO-2), Mark Walker (NC-6), Randy Weber (TX-14), and Bruce Westerman (AR-4).

In case you missed it, on March 14, 2016, McMorris Rodgers introduced the Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act of 2016 (H.R. 4730). Click here to learn more.