Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023

12/14/2023, 4:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 4474

Bill 118 HR 4474, also known as the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023, aims to ensure that members of Congress have access to observe and monitor federal agencies and departments. The bill seeks to strengthen oversight and accountability by allowing lawmakers to directly witness the operations and decision-making processes of these entities.

Specifically, the bill requires federal agencies and departments to grant access to congressional observers upon request. This access includes the ability to attend meetings, review documents, and interact with staff members. The goal is to provide lawmakers with firsthand knowledge of how these entities are functioning and to enable them to better fulfill their oversight responsibilities.

The Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023 is seen as a crucial step in promoting transparency and accountability in government operations. By allowing members of Congress to directly observe federal agencies and departments, the bill aims to prevent potential abuses of power and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. Overall, this legislation is designed to empower lawmakers to fulfill their constitutional duty of oversight and to hold federal agencies and departments accountable to the American people. It represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen the checks and balances within the federal government and to promote good governance practices.

Congressional Summary of HR 4474

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023 or the COCOA Act of 2023

This bill requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to observe the administration procedures of federal elections. The bill prohibits such an observer from handling ballots or elections equipment, advocating for a position or candidate, taking any action to reduce ballot secrecy, or otherwise interfering with the elections administration process.

Designated congressional election observer refers to an individual who is designated in writing by specified congressional committees to gather information with respect to an election, including in the event that the election is contested in the House of Representatives or the Senate and for other purposes permitted by Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution.

Current Status of Bill HR 4474

Bill HR 4474 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 6, 2023. Bill HR 4474 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on July 6, 2023.  Bill HR 4474's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. as of July 6, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4474

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4474

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4474

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to confirm the requirement that States allow access to designated congressional election observers to observe the election administration procedures in elections for Federal office.
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