Two bills that would create an unelected "Sunset Commission" with power to review federal programs and recommend their "sunset" (i.e., termination or consolidation) are moving forward in the House of Representatives. One, or both, will likely be voted on next week. The Sunset Commission bill most likely to move forward, sponsored by Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), would create a series of Sunset Commissions that would review clusters of agencies and programs. Virtually all federal programs and agencies, including LSC, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Education, could come under review by these Commissions. The Commissions would not be required to hold public hearings, and their 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 Commissions' recommendations. More information is available at http://www.ombwatch.org/sunset.

Based on original reporting by the Brennan Center Staff. See also Legal Services E-lerts of Apr. 28, 2006 and June 16, 2006.