March SnapshotThis edition of the Tab is an overview of the bills scored by National Taxpayers Union Foundation's (NTUF) analysts during March. The BillTally data includes cost estimates of both cost and savings bills, along with their sponsors and cosponsors. Links to member reports are for the previous Congress. By The NumbersAs the 112th Congress begins its 92nd day since being sworn in, NTUF analysts have thus far scored 684 bills. Of those, 446 were House bills with 147 bills introduced in the past month. The Foundation also scored 238 Senate bills, with 59 of them introduced in March. NTUF will release a 100 day proposed spending analysis in May. The 446 House bills scored during the month of March would increase spending by approximately $20.3 billion annually, if all bills were enacted (see below). Totals exclude overlapping measures. The largest spending increase bills include establishing a universal prekindergarten program, creating the Department of Peace, and reestablishing the Civilian Conservation Corps. The largest savings bills included providing auction authority for certain radio frequencies (increasing offsetting receipts), medical liability reform, and reducing outlays of a refundable health care tax credit. House Bills Scored by NTUF in March | | | Number of Bills | Net Annualized Cost/Savings
(in millions of $) | Average Cost/Savings
(in millions of $) | Average Number of Sponsors | | Spending Increase Bills | 55 | $64,669 | $1,176 | 12.4 | | Spending Cut Bills | 12 | ($44,355) | ($3,696) | 15.7 | | No Cost Bills | 379 | $0 | $0 | 17.8 | | Total | 446 | $20,314 | | |
Source: NTUF BillTally System |
The 238 Senate bills scored within the month of March would reduce spending by approximately $76 billion annually if all bills were enacted (see below). Spending cut bills include two that would each rescind $39 billion, and one that would implement medical liability reforms similar to those proposed in the House. Spending proposals include restoring military veteran retirement and compensation pay, repealing military spousal annuity reductions, and funding oil spill prevention measures. Senate Bills Scored by NTUF in March | | | Number of Bills | Net Annualized Cost/Savings
(in millions of $) | Average Cost/Savings
(in millions of $) | Average Number of Sponsors | | Spending Increase Bills | 35 | $5,484 | $157 | 5.8 | | Spending Cut Bills | 9 | ($81,637) | ($9,071) | 5.6 | | No Cost Bills | 194 | $0 | $0 | 14.7 | | Total | 238 | ($76,153) | | |
Source: NTUF BillTally System |
Know Your Cut BillsWith the addition of the 12 House and nine Senate cost savings bills scored in March, NTUF's savings bill list for the 112th Congress now contains 33 bills. The 21 House savings bills, excluding overlapping measures, would cut $56.3 billion. The Senate's nine savings bills would cut $92.8 billion, excluding offsetting provisions. The full spreadsheet can be accessed here. House StatsThe following sponsorship figures are based on the House bills that were scored by NTUF within the month of March (totals include both sponsors and cosponsors): Senate StatsThe following sponsorship figures are based on the Senate bills that were scored by NTUF within the month of March (totals include both sponsors and cosponsors): Friendship CircleCosponsoring bills not only shows direct support for specific legislation but it can provide insight regarding national issues. Below are bills that had the most cosponsors in BillTally's three established bill categories. Most Friended House Bills- Spending Increase Bill: H.R. 440, a bill to provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia - 64 cosponsors - sponsored by Frank Wolf (VA-10)
- Spending Cut Bill: H.R. 5, Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011 - 120 cosponsors - sponsored by Phil Gingrey (GA-11)
- No Cost Bill: H.R. 4, Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 - 274 cosponsors - sponsored by Daniel Lungren (CA-3)
Most Friended Senate Bills- Spending Increase Bill: S. 260, a bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation - 33 cosponsors - sponsored by Bill Nelson (FL)
- Spending Cut Bill: S. 18, Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act - 61 cosponsors - sponosred by Mike Johanns (NE)
- No Cost Bill: S. 358, Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act of 2011 - 47 cosponsors - sponsored by Pat Roberts (KS)
| |
We Want You!NTUF is looking for late summer/fall associate policy analysts to participate in our internship program. Associates assist with BillTally research and other policy projects. Academic credit and a stipend are possible. Email questions to ntuf@ntu.org. To apply visit our internship page. Join us and help keep a tab on Congress! |
About NTUF The National Taxpayers Union Foundation is a research and educational organization dedicated solely to helping citizens of all generations understand how tax policies, spending programs, and regulations at all levels affect them now and in the future. Through NTUF's timely information, analysis, and commentary, we're empowering citizens to actively engage in the fiscal policy debate and hold public officials accountable every day. NTUF is a 501(c)(3) research and education organization. Donations are deductible for personal income tax purposes. Please make a donation today to help further NTUF's mission of research and education! This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation or as a comment on any Member's fitness to serve. Cosponsor information obtained from GovTrack.us. 
|
|
