I didn't see any recent diaries on this, sorry if it's a repost or repetative...but this one is a doozey and we need to pay attention to it. I get a daily weekday email from
BushGreenWatch.com - and
this one, from today, floored me.
Bush Plan Could 'Sunset' Any Federal Agency
Tucked away in the 2,000-page budget plan passed last week by both houses of Congress are three short sentences that could eliminate every federal program that protects public health, the environment, investors, worker's rights and many more.
As described by journalist Osha Gray Davidson in the April 21st Rolling Stone, a proposed "Sunset Commission" could enable the president to eliminate any agency he dislikes -- leaving the American people at the mercy of big business.
More on the flip.
I vaguely remembered hearing something about this recently, but I can't put my finger on where. But you can be sure the SCLM is all over this (not).
I just didn't realize the details and how easy it would be for Bush to cut programs he doesn't like:
Now, as deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, Johnson has implemented a system to evaluate federal programs and cut funding to those "not getting results."
This year's budget however, gets rid of 20% of the programs actually rated most effective (involving environment and education) -- and increases funding for programs rated lowest (such as an effort to reduce the number of poor people claiming a low-income tax credit).
With the votes of just five of its eight members, the Sunset Commission could enable the president to eliminate entire programs that protect citizens from injury and death, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Traffic Safety Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
(emphasis mine)
Waxman is seemingly the sole voice on this:
While the White House appears understandably confident about gaining Congressional approval for its Sunset Commission, at least one member is sounding the alarm.
"Under the administration's proposal, Congress would relinquish its constitutional power to legislate," said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA). "Power would be consolidated in the executive branch and the legislative role would be emasculated."
There's something about this particular provision that really, really scares me. Effectively, in the next 3 years, he could eliminate anything. I'm sure he wouldn't be so bold as to axe the EPA (or would he??)...he'll start small, then work his way up. I don't think it's in there just for shits and grins, folks. Just like the provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act that are the most egregious, just like the military recruitment provision in the NCLB Act, someone is going to use this power.