As early as the week of June 19, 2006, Congress could begin to consider a number of bills that would create an unelected "Sunset Commission" with the power to review federal programs and recommend their "sunset" (i.e., termination or consolidation). The leading bill, sponsored by Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), would direct the new Sunset Commission to review the status of virtually all federal programs and agencies, including LSC, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Education. The bill would exempt federal entitlement programs and the Department of Defense. The Sunset Commission's recommendations to eliminate particular programs would be fast-tracked in Congress -- the bill would severely curtail the opportunity for legislators to offer amendments to or debate the Commission's recommendations. More information is available at http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/ombwatch/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=3855&t=Sunset%20Action.dwt.

Based on original reporting by Brennan Center staff.