WASHINGTON—Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) today introduced the Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act, legislation designed to bolster efforts to cut government waste and inefficiency. Aligned with the goals of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), this act seeks to ensure federal agencies remain effective, necessary, and accountable to the American people. Under the bill, agencies that fail to secure reauthorization would be automatically abolished, creating a system of accountability and promoting fiscal responsibility.
As the federal debt surpasses $36 trillion, government inefficiencies, duplicative programs, and expired authorizations drain taxpayer dollars. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has identified over 1,000 unauthorized programs still receiving funding, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
The Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act would:
• Establish a 13-Member Bipartisan Commission: The commission would review the efficiency, necessity, and public need for every federal agency.
• Create a 12-Year Review Schedule: The commission would develop a timeline, ratified by Congress, ensuring every federal agency undergoes regular review.
• Provide Annual Recommendations: Each year, the commission would recommend whether reviewed agencies should be abolished, reorganized, continued, or have their responsibilities consolidated or transferred.
• Review New Proposals for Agencies and Programs: The commission would analyze legislation proposing new agencies or programs, ensuring they cannot be handled by existing entities.
• Require Congressional Action on Recommendations: Congress would take expedited votes on the commission’s recommendations. Agencies failing reauthorization would automatically be abolished.
Rep. Cloud highlighted how this bill supports President Trump and DOGE’s goal, stating:
“DOGE is leading the charge to cut government inefficiency, waste, and bloat, and the Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act will reinforce its mission. For far too long, the federal bureaucracy has operated unchecked, growing in size while delivering diminishing results. American families live within their means—Washington should do the same. By systematically and regularly reviewing federal agencies, this legislation ensures the government works for the taxpayers, not the other way around.”
DOGE, led by co-chairs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is tasked with slashing $2 trillion in government waste. Congressman Cloud’s bill builds on these efforts, creating a streamlined process for agency oversight and aligning with DOGE’s objectives to hold Washington accountable.
This model draws inspiration from Texas’ Sunset Commission, which has saved over $1 billion while eliminating or consolidating dozens of agencies. By bringing these proven methods to the federal level, Rep. Cloud and DOGE aim to cut red tape, slash waste, and deliver a leaner, more effective government to the American people.
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