Summary: Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act - Title I: Regulatory Freeze for Jobs - Regulatory Freeze for Jobs Act of 2012 - (Sec. 102) Prohibits a federal agency from taking any significant regulatory action until the Secretary of Labor reports to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average of monthly unemployment rates for any quarter is 6% or less. (Sec. 103) Permits an agency to take a significant regulatory action notwithstanding the freeze imposed by this Act if: (1) the President determines by executive order that such action is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement; or (2) the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) of OMB certifies in writing that such action is limited to repealing an existing rule. Provides for congressional waivers for significant regulatory actions that are not eligible for a presidential waiver but that are necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare upon submission of a request by the President. (Sec. 104) Allows judicial review of: (1) any regulatory action taken in violation of this Act that adversely affects or aggrieves any individual, and (2) any determination by the President or the Secretary of Labor under this Act. Allows a court to suspend the granting of relief under this Act if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the application or enforcement of a significant regulatory action is required to protect against an imminent and serious threat to national security. Requires a court to award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to a small business (defined as a business that employs not more than 500 employees or that has a net worth of less than $7 million) that prevails in any civil action arising under this title. (Sec. 105) Excludes from the definition of "federal agency" the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Open Market Committee, or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Defines "significant regulatory action" as any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule or guidance that the Administrator finds is likely to have an annual cost to the economy of $50 million or more or to adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, small entities, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities. Title II: Midnight Rule Relief - Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2012 - (Sec. 202) Prohibits a federal agency from proposing or finalizing during the moratorium period any midnight rule that the OIRA Administrator finds is likely to result in such an annual cost or to have such an adverse effect. Defines "midnight rule" as an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that is issued during the moratorium period, that is intended to have the force and effect of law, and that is designed to: (1) implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy; or (2) describe the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. Defines "moratorium period" as the day after the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every fourth year succeeding a presidential election through January 20 of the following year in which a President is not serving a consecutive term. (Sec. 203) Exempts from the moratorium any deadline: (1) for, relating to, or involving any midnight rule; (2) that was established before the beginning of the moratorium period; and (3) that is required to be taken during the moratorium period. Requires the Administrator, not later than 30 days after the beginning of a moratorium period, to identify and publish in the Federal Register a list of deadlines that are exempt. (Sec. 204) Exempts from the moratorium any midnight rule that: (1) the President determines is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, to enforce criminal laws, to protect national security, or to implement an international trade agreement; or (2) the Administrator certifies in writing is limited to repealing an existing rule. Requires agency heads to publish in the Federal Register any midnight rule excluded from the moratorium period. Title III: Regulatory Decrees and Settlements - Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012 - (Sec. 302) Imposes new requirements upon a consent decree or settlement agreement in any action to compel agency action alleged to be unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed that pertains to a regulatory action that affects the rights of private parties other than the plaintiff or the rights of state, local, or tribal governments. Requires in any such action: (1) publication, including electronically, of the complaint, the consent decree or settlement agreement, and related documents in a readily accessible manner by the defendant agency; (2) conclusion of an opportunity for affected parties to intervene in an action before a party may file a motion for a consent decree or to dismiss the case pursuant to a settlement agreement; (3) referral to a mediation or alternative dispute resolution program after a motion to intervene is granted; (4) 60 days for public comment on a proposed consent decree or settlement agreement before it is filed with a court; and (5) approval by the Attorney General of any proposed consent decree or settlement agreement in cases litigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) or by an agency head if the agency litigates a case independently. Requires each agency to report to Congress annually on the number, identity, and content of complaints, consent decrees, and settlement agreements for the year, the statutory basis of each decree or agreement and its terms, and the award of attorney's fees or costs in actions resolved by such decrees or agreements. (Sec. 303) Requires a court to grant de novo review to a previously entered consent decree if an agency files a motion to modify such decree on the basis that it is no longer fully in the public interest due to the agency's obligations to fulfill other duties or due to changed facts and circumstances. Title IV: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency - Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2012 - (Sec. 402) States as the purpose of this title to: (1) improve the quality of the deliberations of Congress with respect to proposed federal mandates by providing Congress and the public with more complete information about the effects of such mandates and by ensuring that Congress acts on such mandates only after focused deliberation on their effects; and (2) enhance the ability of Congress and the public to identify federal mandates that may impose undue harm on consumers, workers, employers, small businesses, and state, local, and tribal governments. (Sec. 403) Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to: (1) require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), at the request of the chairman or ranking member of a congressional committee, to conduct an assessment comparing the authorized level of funding in legislation to the prospective costs of carrying out any changes to a condition of federal assistance being imposed on state, local, or tribal governments participating in the federal assistance program; (2) modify the definition of "direct costs" to require CBO to consider, in accounting for the costs of federal mandates, forgone business profits, costs passed onto consumers and other entities, and behavioral changes; and (3) eliminate the exemption of independent regulatory agencies (other than the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee) from requirements under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA); (Sec. 406) Amends UMRA to: (1) transfer certain responsibilities under such Act from the Director of OMB to the OIRA Administrator; (2) set forth detailed criteria to guide agencies in assessing the effects of federal regulatory actions on state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector; (3) revise requirements for agency statements accompanying significant regulatory actions to require an analysis of the annual effect of a proposed final rule on state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector and to require all statements and summaries under UMRA to be detailed; (4) extend to the the private sector (including small businesses) the requirement for consultation with agencies in the development of regulatory proposals containing significant federal mandates; and (5) set forth detailed guidelines for such consultation. (Sec. 411) Revises UMRA reporting requirements to require: (1) the Administrator to provide guidance and oversight so that agency regulations are consistent with the principles and policies of UMRA and do not conflict with the policies or actions of another agency; and (2) agencies to include in their annual compliance statements an appendix detailing consultation activities with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. (Sec. 412) Amends UMRA to require an agency, at the request of the chairman or ranking member of a standing or select House or Senate Committee, to conduct a retrospective analysis of an existing regulation promulgated by such agency and submit to the chairman of the relevant committee, Congress, and the Comptroller General (GAO) a report on such regulation. (Sec. 413) Expands judicial review under UMRA to include review of provisions of such Act relating to agency assessment of the effects of the regulatory process and agency selection of the least costly or least burdensome alternative to a regulatory mandate. Grants courts expanded powers to compel agencies to comply with UMRA reporting requirements. Title V: Improved Coordination of Agency Actions on Environmental Documents - Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development Act of 2012 or the RAPID Act - (Sec. 502) Declares that the purpose of this title to is establish a framework and procedures to streamline, increase the efficiency of, and enhance coordination of agency administration of the regulatory review, environmental decisionmaking, and permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for major federal actions that are construction activities undertaken with federal funds or that require approval by a permit or regulatory decisions issued by a federal agency (defined as "projects" by this Act). Authorizes project sponsors to prepare any document for purposes of an environmental review under NEPA if the lead agency (i.e., the agency preparing the environmental document) furnishes oversight in the preparation of such document and independently evaluates, approves, and adopts such document prior to taking action or making any approval based on such document. Provides that not more than one environmental impact statement and one environmental assessment may be prepared for a project, except for supplemental environmental documents prepared under NEPA or pursuant to a court order. Allows a lead agency to adopt, use, or rely upon environmental documents prepared under NEPA for projects in the same geographic area or documents prepared for a project under state laws if such laws provide environmental protection and opportunities for public involvement that are substantially equivalent to those provided in NEPA. Requires a lead agency to invite and designate federal agencies to participate in a multiagency NEPA review process. Precludes any agency that declines to participate in such review process from submitting comments on, or taking measures to oppose: (1) a project; (2) any document prepared under NEPA for such project; or (3) any permit, license, or approval related to such project. Imposes deadlines on various stages of the NEPA review process, including a two-year deadline for completing environmental impact statements and issuing a record of decision. Requires agencies participating in the review process to comply with such deadlines. Deems a project to be approved in the event that an agency fails to approve or disapprove a project within such deadlines. Requires a lead agency to provide an opportunity for involvement by cooperating agencies in determining the range of alternatives to be considered for a project. Prohibits an agency from being required to evaluate an alternative that was identified but not carried forward for detailed evaluation in, or evaluated and not selected in, any environmental document prepared under NEPA for the same project. Requires the head of each federal agency to report annually to Congress on: (1) the projects for which the agency initiated preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment; (2) the projects for which the agency issued a record of decision or a finding of no significant impact and the length of time it took the agency to complete the environmental review for each such project; (3) the filing of any lawsuits against the agency seeking judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by the agency for an action subject to NEPA; and (4) the resolution of any such lawsuits against the agency. Imposes a time limitation for filing a claim seeking judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by an agency for an action subject to NEPA. Title VI: Securities and Exchange Commission Regulatory Accountability - SEC Regulatory Accountability Act - (Sec. 602) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to direct the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), before issuing a regulation under the securities laws, to: (1) identify the nature and source of the problem that the proposed regulation is designed to address in order to assess whether any new regulation is warranted; (2) use the SEC Chief Economist to assess the costs and benefits of the intended regulation and adopt it only upon a reasoned determination that its benefits justify the costs; (3) identify and assess available alternatives that were considered; and (4) ensure that any regulation is accessible, consistent, written in plain language, and easy to understand. Requires the SEC to: (1) consider whether the rulemaking will promote efficiency, competition, and capital formation; (2) consider the impact of the regulation upon investor choice, market liquidity, and small business; (3) explain in its final rule the nature of comments received concerning the proposed rule or rule change; and (4) respond to those comments, explaining any changes made in response and the reasons that it did not incorporate industry group concerns regarding potential costs or benefits. Requires the SEC to: (1) review its existing regulations periodically to determine if they are outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome; and (2) modify, streamline, expand, or repeal them. Requires the SEC, whenever it adopts or amends a major rule, to state in its adopting release: (1) the purposes and intended consequences of the regulation, (2) the post-implementation quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure the economic impact of the regulation and the extent to which it has accomplished the stated purposes, (3) the assessment plan that will be used under the supervision of the Chief Economist to assess whether the regulation has achieved those purposes, and (4) any foreseeable unintended or negative consequences. Requires the assessment plan to: (1) consider the costs, benefits, and intended and unintended consequences of the regulation; and (2) specify the data to be collected, the methods for its collection and analysis, and an assessment completion date. Waives notice and comment requirements for the data collection if the SEC has published its assessment plan for notice and comment at least 30 days before adoption of a final regulation or amendment. (Sec. 603) Expresses the sense of Congress that other regulatory entities, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, and any national securities association registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, should also follow the requirements set forth by this title. (Sec. 604) Nullifies interpretative guidance previously issued by the SEC regarding disclosure related to climate change and restricts SEC authority to issue future guidance on such matter. Title VII: Consideration by Commodity Futures Trading Commission of Certain Costs and Benefits - (Sec. 701) Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to expand the considerations for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in assessing the costs and benefits, both qualitative and quantitative, of intended regulation. Requires the CFTC to propose or adopt a regulation only on a reasoned determination that the benefits justify the costs and to consider available alternatives to direct regulation and whether the regulation is inconsistent, incompatible, or duplicative of other federal regulations. Title VIII: Ensuring High Standards for Agency Use of Scientific Information - (Sec. 801) Requires each federal agency, not later than January 1, 2013, to have in effect guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information relied upon by such agency. Deems any policy decision of an agency that does not comply with approved guidelines to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise not in accordance with law. Title IX: Tracking the Cost to Taxpayers of Federal Litigation - Tracking the Cost to Taxpayers of Federal Litigation Act - (Sec. 902) Expands requirements for accounting for fees and costs incurred by the federal government in litigating with private parties in regulatory matters, including the cost of settlement agreements. Requires the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to create and maintain an online searchable database for each award of fees or other expenses, which shall include: (1) the name of each party to whom an award was made, (2) the name of each counsel of record, (3) the agency to which the application for the award was made, (4) the name of the administrative law judge, (5) the amount of the award, (6) the names and hourly rates of each expert witness, and (7) the basis for the finding that the position of the agency was not substantially justified.

red tape reduction small business job creation act title regulatory freeze jobs regulatory freeze jobs act sec prohibits federal agency taking significant regulatory action secretary labor reports director office_of_management_and_budget omb bureau_of_labor_statistics bls average monthly unemployment rates quarter sec permits agency significant regulatory action notwithstanding freeze imposed act president determines executive order action necessary imminent threat health safety emergency enforcement criminal laws national security implement international trade agreement administrator office_of_information_and_regulatory_affairs oira omb certifies writing action limited repealing existing rule provides congressional waivers significant regulatory actions eligible presidential waiver necessary protect public health safety welfare submission request president sec allows judicial review regulatory action taken violation act adversely affects individual determination president secretary labor act allows court suspend granting relief act court finds preponderance evidence application enforcement significant regulatory action required protect imminent threat national security requires court award reasonable attorney fees costs small business defined business employs employees net worth million prevails civil action arising title sec excludes definition federal agency board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_open_market_committee usps defines significant regulatory action regulatory action likely result rule guidance administrator finds likely annual cost economy million adversely affect material way economy sector economy productivity competition jobs environment public health safety small entities state local tribal governments communities title midnight rule relief midnight rule relief act sec prohibits federal agency proposing finalizing moratorium period midnight rule oira administrator finds likely result annual cost adverse effect defines midnight rule agency statement general applicability future effect issued moratorium period intended force effect law designed implement interpret prescribe law policy describe procedure practice requirements agency defines moratorium period day tuesday monday november fourth year succeeding presidential election january following year president serving consecutive term sec exempts moratorium deadline relating involving midnight rule established beginning moratorium period required taken moratorium period requires administrator later days beginning moratorium period identify publish federal_register list deadlines exempt sec exempts moratorium midnight rule president determines necessary imminent threat health safety emergency enforce criminal laws protect national security implement international trade agreement administrator certifies writing limited repealing existing rule requires agency heads publish federal_register midnight rule excluded moratorium period title iii regulatory decrees settlements sunshine regulatory decrees settlements act sec imposes new requirements consent decree settlement agreement action compel agency action alleged unlawfully withheld unreasonably delayed pertains regulatory action affects rights private parties plaintiff rights state local tribal governments requires action publication including electronically complaint consent decree settlement agreement related documents readily accessible manner defendant agency conclusion opportunity affected parties intervene action party file motion consent decree dismiss case pursuant settlement agreement referral mediation alternative dispute resolution program motion intervene granted days public comment proposed consent decree settlement agreement filed court approval attorney general proposed consent decree settlement agreement cases department_of_justice doj agency head agency case independently requires agency report congress annually number identity content complaints consent decrees settlement agreements year statutory basis decree agreement terms award attorney fees costs actions resolved decrees agreements sec requires court grant novo review previously entered consent decree agency files motion modify decree basis longer fully public interest agency obligations fulfill duties changed facts circumstances title unfunded mandates information transparency act sec states purpose title improve quality deliberations congress respect proposed federal mandates providing congress public complete information effects mandates ensuring congress acts mandates focused deliberation effects enhance ability congress public identify federal mandates impose undue harm consumers workers employers small businesses state local tribal governments sec amends congressional_budget_act require congressional_budget_office cbo request chairman ranking member congressional committee conduct assessment comparing authorized level funding legislation prospective costs carrying changes condition federal assistance imposed state local tribal governments participating federal assistance program modify definition direct costs require cbo consider accounting costs federal mandates forgone business profits costs passed consumers entities behavioral changes eliminate exemption independent regulatory agencies board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_open_market_committee requirements unfunded mandates reform act umra sec amends umra transfer certain responsibilities act director omb oira administrator set forth detailed criteria guide agencies assessing effects federal regulatory actions state local tribal governments private sector revise requirements agency statements accompanying significant regulatory actions require analysis annual effect proposed final rule state local tribal governments private sector require statements summaries umra detailed extend private sector including small businesses requirement consultation agencies development regulatory proposals containing significant federal mandates set forth detailed guidelines consultation sec revises umra reporting requirements require administrator provide guidance oversight agency regulations consistent principles policies umra conflict policies actions agency agencies include annual compliance statements appendix detailing consultation activities state local tribal governments private sector sec amends umra require agency request chairman ranking member standing select house senate_committee conduct retrospective analysis existing regulation promulgated agency submit chairman relevant committee congress comptroller_general gao report regulation sec expands judicial review umra include review provisions act relating agency assessment effects regulatory process agency selection costly burdensome alternative regulatory mandate grants courts expanded powers compel agencies comply umra reporting requirements title improved coordination agency actions environmental documents responsibly professionally development act rapid act sec declares purpose title establish framework procedures streamline increase efficiency enhance coordination agency administration regulatory review environmental decisionmaking permitting process national_environmental_policy_act nepa major federal actions construction activities undertaken federal funds require approval permit regulatory decisions issued federal agency defined projects act authorizes project sponsors prepare document purposes environmental review nepa lead agency agency preparing environmental document furnishes oversight preparation document independently evaluates approves adopts document prior taking action making approval based document provides environmental impact statement environmental assessment prepared project supplemental environmental documents prepared nepa pursuant court order allows lead agency adopt use rely environmental documents prepared nepa projects geographic area documents prepared project state laws laws provide environmental protection opportunities public involvement substantially equivalent provided nepa requires lead agency invite designate federal agencies participate multiagency nepa review process precludes agency declines participate review process submitting comments taking measures oppose project document prepared nepa project permit license approval related project imposes deadlines stages nepa review process including year deadline completing environmental impact statements issuing record decision requires agencies participating review process comply deadlines deems project approved event agency fails approve disapprove project deadlines requires lead agency provide opportunity involvement cooperating agencies determining range alternatives considered project prohibits agency required evaluate alternative identified carried forward detailed evaluation evaluated selected environmental document prepared nepa project requires head federal agency report annually congress projects agency initiated preparation environmental impact statement environmental assessment projects agency issued record decision finding significant impact length time took agency complete environmental review project filing lawsuits agency seeking judicial review permit license approval issued agency action subject nepa resolution lawsuits agency imposes time limitation filing claim seeking judicial review permit license approval issued agency action subject nepa title accountability act sec amends securities exchange act direct securities_and_exchange_commission sec issuing regulation securities laws identify nature source problem proposed regulation designed address order assess new regulation warranted use sec chief economist assess costs benefits intended regulation adopt reasoned determination benefits justify costs identify assess available alternatives considered ensure regulation accessible consistent written plain language easy understand requires sec consider rulemaking promote efficiency competition capital formation consider impact regulation investor choice market liquidity small business explain final rule nature comments received concerning proposed rule rule change respond comments explaining changes response reasons incorporate industry group concerns potential costs benefits requires sec review existing regulations periodically determine outmoded ineffective insufficient excessively burdensome modify streamline expand repeal requires sec adopts amends major rule state adopting release purposes intended consequences regulation post implementation quantitative qualitative metrics measure economic impact regulation extent accomplished stated purposes assessment plan supervision chief economist assess regulation achieved purposes foreseeable unintended negative consequences requires assessment plan consider costs benefits intended unintended consequences regulation specify data collected methods collection analysis assessment completion date waives notice comment requirements data collection sec published assessment plan notice comment days adoption final regulation amendment sec expresses sense congress regulatory entities including public_company_accounting_oversight_board municipal_securities_rulemaking_board national securities association registered securities exchange act follow requirements set forth title sec nullifies interpretative guidance previously issued sec disclosure related climate change restricts sec authority issue future guidance matter title vii consideration benefits sec amends commodity_exchange_act expand considerations commodity_futures_trading_commission cftc assessing costs benefits qualitative quantitative intended regulation requires cftc propose adopt regulation reasoned determination benefits justify costs consider available alternatives direct regulation regulation inconsistent incompatible duplicative federal regulations title viii ensuring high standards agency use scientific information sec requires federal agency later january effect guidelines ensuring maximizing quality objectivity utility integrity scientific information relied agency deems policy decision agency comply approved guidelines arbitrary capricious abuse discretion accordance law title tracking cost taxpayers federal litigation tracking cost taxpayers federal litigation act sec expands requirements accounting fees costs incurred federal government litigating private parties regulatory matters including cost settlement agreements requires chairman administrative_conference_of_the_united_states create maintain online searchable database award fees expenses shall include party award counsel record agency application award administrative law judge award names hourly rates expert witness basis finding position agency substantially justified


Summary: Regulatory Accountability and Economic Freedom Act of 2012 - Revises criteria for the federal agency rule making process. Requires federal agencies proposing a rule to make all preliminary and final factual determinations based on evidence and to consider: (1) the legal authority under which a rule may be proposed, (2) the specific nature and significance of the problem the agency may address with a rule, (3) any reasonable alternatives for a new rule, and (4) the potential costs and benefits associated with potential alternative rules. Requires agencies to publish in the Federal Register advance notice of proposed rule making for major rules, high-impact rules, and rules involving novel legal or policy issues. Defines "major rule" as any rule that is likely to impose: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, adjusted annually for inflation; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or U.S. competitiveness; or (4) significant impacts on multiple sectors of the economy. Defines "high-impact rule" as any rule that is likely to impose an annual cost on the economy of $1 billion or more, adjusted annually for inflation. Rewrites provisions for congressional review of agency rule making to require congressional approval of major rules before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Sets forth House and Senate procedures for enacting joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules. Establishes the United States Red Tape Reduction Commission to advise federal agencies on the modification, consolidation, or elimination of federal regulatory requirements to reduce direct or indirect burdens on U.S. businesses.

regulatory accountability economic freedom act revises criteria federal agency rule making process requires federal agencies proposing rule preliminary final factual determinations based evidence consider legal authority rule proposed specific nature significance problem agency address rule reasonable alternatives new rule potential costs benefits associated potential alternative rules requires agencies publish federal_register advance notice proposed rule making major rules high impact rules rules involving novel legal policy issues defines major rule rule likely impose annual effect economy million adjusted annually inflation major increase costs prices significant adverse effects competition employment investment productivity innovation competitiveness significant impacts multiple sectors economy defines high impact rule rule likely impose annual cost economy billion adjusted annually inflation rewrites provisions congressional review agency rule making require congressional approval major rules effect currently major rules effect congress passes president signs joint resolution disapproving sets forth house senate procedures enacting joint resolutions approving major rules disapproving non major rules establishes united_states red tape reduction commission advise federal agencies modification consolidation elimination federal regulatory requirements reduce direct indirect burdens businesses


Summary: Sound Dollar Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to: (1) promote the goal of long-term price stability, and (2) establish metrics to evaluate whether long-term price stability is being achieved. Prescribes procedures for the establishment and evaluation of such metrics. Directs the Board and the FOMC to: (1) make such information available to the public on a website, and (2) report to Congress each time such metrics are set or revised. Directs the Board to include in its semi-annual report to Congress: (1) the results of the evaluation process, (2) whether the goal of long-term price stability is being met, (3) the main monetary policy instruments and strategy used by the Board and the FOMC to achieve long-term price stability, and (4) an analysis of how the policies of the Board and the FOMC are affecting the foreign exchange rate value of the U.S. dollar. Directs the Board to clearly articulate it's lender-of-last-resort policy. Revamps FOMC membership to consist of one representative from each of the Federal Reserve banks (in addition to members of the Board). Directs the FOMC to release meeting transcripts to the public within three years after each meeting. Redesignates the Department of the Treasury stabilization fund as the Special Drawing Rights Fund. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to liquidate all property in the Fund (other than Special Drawing Rights) and to use all such amounts to reduce the public debt. Limits the availability of the Fund solely to stabilize exchange rates and arrangements. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to deal in U.S. instruments of credit and securities. Permits only Special Drawing Rights to be deposited into the Fund. Requires funds that would otherwise have been deposited into the Fund to be paid, instead, to the Secretary to reduce the public debt. Amends the FRA to authorize the FOMC, in unusual and exigent circumstances, by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of its members, to grant any Federal Reserve bank emergency authority to buy and sell U.S. debt obligations and revenue bonds in anticipation of the collection of taxes or the receipt of assured revenues by any state or local governmental entity, as well as obligations of, or guaranteed by, a foreign government or agency. Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to repeal: (1) funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and (2) the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Fund.

sound dollar act amends federal reserve act fra direct board_of_governors federal_reserve_system board federal_open_market_committee fomc promote goal long term price stability establish metrics evaluate long term price stability achieved prescribes procedures establishment evaluation metrics directs board fomc information available public website report congress time metrics set revised directs board include semi annual report congress results evaluation process goal long term price stability met main monetary policy instruments strategy board fomc achieve long term price stability analysis policies board fomc affecting foreign exchange rate value dollar directs board clearly articulate lender resort policy membership consist representative federal_reserve banks addition members board directs fomc release meeting transcripts public years meeting redesignates department_of_the_treasury stabilization fund special_drawing_rights_fund instructs secretary treasury liquidate property fund special drawing rights use amounts reduce public debt limits availability fund solely stabilize exchange rates arrangements repeals authority secretary deal instruments credit securities permits special drawing rights deposited fund requires funds deposited fund paid instead secretary reduce public debt amends fra authorize fomc unusual exigent circumstances affirmative vote members grant federal_reserve bank emergency authority buy sell debt obligations revenue bonds anticipation collection taxes receipt assured revenues state local governmental entity obligations guaranteed foreign government agency amends consumer_financial_protection_act repeal funding consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb bureau_of_consumer_financial_protection_fund


Summary: Sunshine on Government Act of 2012 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with the Executive Chair of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, to create a separate website apart from the OMB website about the reports issued by each Office of Inspector General.  Requires such website to include: (1) a general description of the role of the Office of Inspector General, (2) a description of the types of reports issued by the Office of Inspector General, (3) a list of each federal agency that has an Office of Inspector General, and (4) a link to a website containing Inspector General reports.

sunshine government act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb consultation council_of_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency create separate website apart omb website reports issued office_of_inspector_general requires website include general description role description types reports issued office_of_inspector_general list federal agency office_of_inspector_general link website containing inspector general reports


Summary: Government Agency Reform Act of 2012 - Defines "efficiency-enhancing plan," for purposes of executive authority to reorganize federal executive agencies, as a reorganization plan that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determines will or is likely to result in a decrease in the number of agencies and cost savings in performing the functions that are the subject of the plan. Expands executive authority to reorganize agencies by allowing: (1) the renaming of an existing executive department, (2) the abolition or transfer of an executive department or independent regulatory agency, or (3) the consolidation of two or more executive departments or two or more independent regulatory agencies. Allows a provision in a reorganization plan to take effect only if such plan is transmitted to Congress within two years of the enactment of this Act and is an efficiency-enhancing plan.

government agency reform act defines efficiency enhancing plan purposes executive authority reorganize federal executive agencies reorganization plan director office_of_management_and_budget omb determines likely result decrease number agencies cost savings performing functions subject plan expands executive authority reorganize agencies allowing renaming existing executive department abolition transfer executive department independent regulatory agency consolidation executive departments independent regulatory agencies allows provision reorganization plan effect plan transmitted congress years enactment act efficiency enhancing plan


Summary: Government Spending Accountablity Act - Reduces the amount that a federal agency may pay or reimburse for travel costs: (1) in FY2013-FY2014 to 50% of the amount paid or reimbursed by such agency in FY2012, and (2) in FY2015 to 75% of the amount paid or reimbursed in FY2012.  Exempts from such reduction: (1) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); (2) the Department of Defense (DOD); (3) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (4) the Federal Air Marshall Service; (5) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (6) the U.S. Capitol Police; (7) the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; and (7) the U.S. Secret Service.

government spending act reduces federal agency pay reimburse travel costs fy2013 fy2014 paid reimbursed agency fy2012 fy2015 paid reimbursed fy2012 exempts reduction atf department_of_defense dod drug_enforcement_administration dea federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi capitol_police


Summary: Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2012 - Prohibits a federal agency (excluding the Federal Election Commission [FEC], the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC], and the U.S. Postal Service [USPS]) from proposing or finalizing any midnight rule that the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) finds is likely to result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete internationally. Defines "midnight rule" as an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that is issued during the moratorium period, that is intended to have the force and effect of law, and that is designed to: (1) implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy; or (2) describe the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. Defines the "moratorium period" as the day after the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every fourth year succeeding a presidential election through January 20 of the following year in which a President is not serving a consecutive term. Exempts from the moratorium period any deadline: (1) for, relating to, or involving any midnight rule; (2) that was established before the beginning of the moratorium period; and (3) that is required to be taken during the moratorium period. Requires the Administrator, not later than 30 days after the beginning of a moratorium period, to identify and publish in the Federal Register a list of deadlines that are exempt. Exempts any midnight rule that: (1) the President determines is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, to enforce criminal laws, to protect U.S. national security, or to implement an international trade agreement; and (2) the Administrator certifies in writing is limited to repealing an existing rule. Requires agency heads to publish in the Federal Register any midnight rule exempted from the moratorium period.

midnight rule relief act prohibits federal agency excluding federal_election_commission fec board_of_governors federal_reserve_system federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic usps proposing finalizing midnight rule administrator office_of_information_and_regulatory_affairs office_of_management_and_budget omb finds likely result annual effect economy million major increase costs prices significant adverse effects competition employment investment productivity innovation ability enterprises compete internationally defines midnight rule agency statement general applicability future effect issued moratorium period intended force effect law designed implement interpret prescribe law policy describe procedure practice requirements agency defines moratorium period day tuesday monday november fourth year succeeding presidential election january following year president serving consecutive term exempts moratorium period deadline relating involving midnight rule established beginning moratorium period required taken moratorium period requires administrator later days beginning moratorium period identify publish federal_register list deadlines exempt exempts midnight rule president determines necessary imminent threat health safety emergency enforce criminal laws protect national security implement international trade agreement administrator certifies writing limited repealing existing rule requires agency heads publish federal_register midnight rule exempted moratorium period


Summary: Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct an annual audit of the General Services Administration (GSA) and to report the audit findings to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Requires such audit to include detailed information for each region regarding specific administrative costs, conference spending, bonuses, travel expenses, staffing levels, expenditures on buildings classified as excess, surplus, or underutilized, a detailed accounting of the expenditures of the Federal Buildings Fund, and any other information which a congressional committee may request.

requires comptroller general gao conduct annual audit general_services_administration gsa report audit findings house_committee_on_transportation_and_infrastructure senate_committee_on_environment_and_public_works requires audit include detailed information region specific administrative costs conference spending bonuses travel expenses staffing levels expenditures buildings classified excess surplus underutilized detailed accounting expenditures federal_buildings_fund information congressional committee request


Summary: Regulatory Reform Act of 2012 - Directs the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), not later than October 1 every four years, to post online and submit to Congress a report to be known as the Federal Regulatory Reform Report. Requires such Report to contain: (1) a list of rules that are determined to be outmoded, duplicative, ineffective, or excessively burdensome; (2) a list of recommendations to consolidate, modify, simplify, or repeal such rules and a description of the justification for and impact of such recommendations; and (3) an analysis of how the costs of such rules outweigh their benefits. Directs the Administrator to: (1) use certain resources such as agency action plans, agency reports, and executive orders in preparing the Report; (2) publish the Report in the Federal Register for public notice and comment at least 60 days before its submission to Congress; and (3) consult with the President, relevant committees of Congress, and other federal officials before submitting the Report. Requires the President to submit to Congress a legislative proposal for carrying out all or some of the recommendations contained in the Report. Sets forth congressional procedures for consideration of the President's proposal.

regulatory reform act directs administrator office_of_information_and_regulatory_affairs office_of_management_and_budget omb later october years post online submit congress report known requires report contain list rules determined outmoded duplicative ineffective excessively burdensome list recommendations consolidate modify simplify repeal rules description justification impact recommendations analysis costs rules outweigh benefits directs administrator use certain resources agency action plans agency reports executive orders preparing report publish report federal_register public notice comment days submission congress consult president relevant committees congress federal officials submitting report requires president submit congress legislative proposal carrying recommendations contained report sets forth congressional procedures consideration president proposal


Summary: DHS Accountability Act of 2012 - Establishes in the legislative branch an independent advisory panel to: (1) comprehensively assess the management structure and capabilities related to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and (2) make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DHS management. Directs the panel to examine: (1) the efficiency and effectiveness of the management structure and capabilities, including the policies, practices, and procedures, of DHS and its component agencies in carrying out management functions, such as program acquisition, financial management, information technology, human capital issues, performance measurement, and risk management efforts, related to homeland security; (2) the extent to which unnecessary duplication exists in such management structure and capabilities and how any such duplication negatively affects the mission of protecting the United States; (3) the extent to which management of key homeland security missions is centralized under DHS; (4) options to reduce or eliminate harmful waste and duplication of effort in DHS; and (5) measures to evaluate DHS's progress in reducing and eliminating waste and duplication from its management structure and capabilities. Urges the panel to consult and leverage the work performed and recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on DHS management structure and capabilities. Directs the panel to submit a final report on its findings and recommendations within two years of the appointment of its members. Terminates the panel 60 days after submission of such report.

dhs accountability act establishes legislative branch independent advisory panel comprehensively assess management structure capabilities related department_of_homeland_security dhs recommendations improve efficiency effectiveness dhs management directs panel examine efficiency effectiveness management structure capabilities including policies practices procedures dhs component agencies carrying management functions program acquisition financial management information technology human capital issues performance measurement risk management efforts related homeland security extent unnecessary duplication exists management structure capabilities duplication negatively affects mission protecting united_states extent management key homeland security missions centralized dhs options reduce eliminate harmful waste duplication effort dhs measures evaluate dhs progress reducing eliminating waste duplication management structure capabilities urges panel consult leverage work performed recommendations government_accountability_office gao dhs management structure capabilities directs panel submit final report findings recommendations years appointment members terminates panel days submission report


Summary: Requires federal agencies, by January 1, 2013, to have in effect guidelines to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of the scientific information upon which the agencies rely.

requires federal agencies january effect guidelines ensure maximize quality objectivity utility integrity scientific information agencies rely


Summary: Senior Executive Service Reform Act of 2012 - Amends provisions of federal law relating to the Senior Executive Service (SES) to: (1) reduce from 25% to 15% the number of SES positions at the start of each fiscal year that may be filled by noncareer appointees; (2) require the head of each federal agency to create a position of assistant secretary for administration or management and appoint a career SES employee to fill such position; and (3) require agency heads to appoint career SES employees to positions with direct responsibility for agency-wide functions in acquisition, information technology, and human resources. Requires each federal agency to: (1) evaluate any SES position that becomes vacant to determine the skills and qualifications necessary for the position, (2) ensure that vacant positions are open for a reasonable period of time and that application requirements are streamlined, (3) ensure that applicants for a vacant position receive timely notification of the status of their application, and (4) take steps to strengthen candidate development programs to prepare aspiring leaders for the SES. Prohibits the use of quotas or forced distribution of ratings for performance appraisals. Provides for annual pay adjustments for senior executives and other senior employees rated at the fully successful level or higher. Includes executive performance awards and bonuses in basic pay for purposes of calculating retirement annuities. Requires a written explanation for an SES performance rating if such rating is lowered from the initial recommendation. Requires: (1) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a Senior Executive Service Resource Office in OPM to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of the SES and its hiring process, advance its professionalism, and promote diversity; (2) senior executives appointed to the SES to create an executive development plan that includes continuing development, training, and mentoring goals; and (3) agency heads to oversee the establishment of an onboarding program to provide new SES appointees an overview of their role and responsibilities, the agency's mission, priorities, and strategic plan, and SES rules and regulations. Allows agencies to establish a rotation program for career SES appointees. Requires each federal agency to: (1) incorporate in its executive performance plans an objective for holding executives accountable for addressing employee satisfaction; and (2) submit a plan to OPM to enhance and maximize opportunities in SES for the advancement and appointment of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.

senior executive service reform act amends provisions federal law relating senior_executive_service ses reduce number ses positions start fiscal year filled appointees require head federal agency create position assistant secretary administration management appoint career ses employee fill position require agency heads appoint career ses employees positions direct responsibility agency wide functions acquisition information technology human resources requires federal agency evaluate ses position vacant determine skills qualifications necessary position ensure vacant positions open reasonable period time application requirements streamlined ensure applicants vacant position receive timely notification status application steps strengthen candidate development programs prepare leaders ses prohibits use quotas forced distribution ratings performance appraisals provides annual pay adjustments senior executives senior employees rated fully successful level higher includes executive performance awards bonuses basic pay purposes calculating retirement annuities requires written explanation ses performance rating rating initial recommendation requires director establish opm improve efficiency effectiveness productivity ses hiring process advance professionalism promote diversity senior executives appointed ses create executive development plan includes continuing development training mentoring goals agency heads oversee establishment program provide new ses appointees overview role responsibilities agency mission priorities strategic plan ses rules regulations allows agencies establish rotation program career ses appointees requires federal agency incorporate executive performance plans objective holding executives accountable addressing employee satisfaction submit plan opm enhance maximize opportunities ses advancement appointment minorities women individuals disabilities


Summary: Limits the amount of funding available to the General Services Administration (GSA) for FY2012 and for each fiscal year thereafter for the acquisition of new vehicles for the federal fleet to 80% of the amount available for such vehicles for FY2011. Exempts from such limitation amounts for the acquisition of new vehicles for national security purposes.

limits funding available general_services_administration gsa fy2012 fiscal year acquisition new vehicles federal fleet available vehicles fy2011 exempts limitation amounts acquisition new vehicles national security purposes


Summary: Reporting Efficiency Improvement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to repeal a requirement that the Attorney General submit a report to Congress on grants to state and local governments for a program or project to develop or improve the capability to analyze deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Amends the Police Corps Act to repeal the requirement for the Director of the Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education to submit an annual report on the Police Corps program.

reporting efficiency improvement act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act repeal requirement attorney general submit report congress grants state local governments program project develop improve capability analyze deoxyribonucleic acid dna amends repeal requirement director submit annual report program


Summary: Data Center Optimization Act - Directs the chief information officer of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (Federal CIO) to: (1) develop and implement an initiative to optimize the usage and efficiency of federal data centers, (2) submit to Congress a consolidated plan for implementation of the initiative by each agency, and (3) submit a consolidated report each year that assesses agency progress in carrying out the initiative and that updates such plan. Requires agency implementation plans to: (1) include descriptions of how agencies will use reductions in floor space, energy use, infrastructure, equipment, applications, personnel, increases in multi-organizational use, and other appropriate methods to meet initiative requirements; and (2) be included in, and consistent with, the President's annual budget submission materials. Requires each agency included in the initiative to: (1) meet or exceed 75% average server utilization in agency data centers by 2015; (2) achieve an average power utilization effectiveness for its data centers of 1.2 or less by 2015; (3) establish methods to obtain accurate data to measure power utilization effectiveness; (4) use desktop virtualization with existing workstations to the extent practicable; and (5) give high priority to replacement of data center servers and other information technology equipment with more efficient equipment, using a baseline including the physical to virtual consolidation ratio and other criteria developed by the Federal CIO. Authorizes the establishment at the Department of Defense (DOD) of a pilot program aimed at researching innovation ways to achieve full metering. Requires such agencies to: (1) track costs and savings resulting from implementation of the initiative and report on those costs and savings annually to the Federal CIO, (2) determine net costs and net savings from data consolidation on an annual basis, (3) use the most cost effective measures to implement the initiative, (4) use resulting savings to offset implementation costs and to further enhance information technology capabilities and services, and (5) report to the Federal CIO annually on the initiative's implementation.

chief information officer office_of_management_and_budget omb develop implement initiative optimize usage efficiency federal data centers submit congress consolidated plan implementation initiative agency submit consolidated report year assesses agency progress carrying initiative updates plan requires agency implementation plans include descriptions agencies use reductions floor space energy use infrastructure equipment applications personnel increases multi organizational use appropriate methods meet initiative requirements included consistent president annual budget submission materials requires agency included initiative meet exceed average server utilization agency data centers achieve average power utilization effectiveness data centers establish methods obtain accurate data measure power utilization effectiveness use existing extent practicable high priority replacement data center servers information technology equipment efficient equipment baseline including physical virtual consolidation ratio criteria developed authorizes establishment department_of_defense dod pilot program aimed researching innovation ways achieve metering requires agencies track costs savings resulting implementation initiative report costs savings annually determine net costs net savings data consolidation annual basis use cost effective measures implement initiative use resulting savings offset implementation costs enhance information technology capabilities services report annually initiative implementation


Summary: Federal Executive Board Efficiency Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish Federal Executive Boards, which are defined as interagency entities established in a geographic area with a high concentration of federal employees outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to strengthen the management and administration of agency activities and coordination among local federal officers to implement national initiatives in that area. Requires each Board for a geographic area to consist of a senior officer for each agency in that area. Requires the Director to: (1) consider specified factors in determining the location for establishment of such Boards, such as whether a geographic area has a strong, viable, and active Federal Executive Association and whether such Association petitions to become a Board; and (2) provide for the administration and oversight of such Boards, including by establishing staffing and communications policies and performance standards for Board staff. Requires each Board to: (1) serve as an instrument of outreach for the national headquarters of agencies relating to agency activities in the geographic area; (2) provide a forum for the exchange of information relating to programs and management methods and problems between the national headquarters of agencies and the field; (3) develop local coordinated approaches to the development and operation of programs that have common characteristics; (4) communicate management initiatives and other concerns from federal officers and employees in the Washington, D.C. area to federal officers and employees in the geographic area to achieve better mutual understanding and support; (5) develop relationships with state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations to help fulfill the roles and responsibilities of that Board; and (6) facilitate communication, collaboration, and training to prepare the federal workforce for emergencies and continuity of operations. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a fund within OPM for financing essential Board functions, into which contributions from the headquarters of each participating agency shall be deposited; (2) submit annual reports to Congress and agencies on Board program outcomes and budget matters; and (3) report to specified congressional committees on essential Board functions, staffing requirements, and staffing and operating expenses.

efficiency act requires director establish defined interagency entities established geographic area high concentration federal employees outside washington metropolitan area strengthen management administration agency activities coordination local federal officers implement national initiatives area requires board geographic area consist senior officer agency area requires director consider specified factors determining location establishment boards geographic area strong viable active association petitions board provide administration oversight boards including establishing staffing communications policies performance standards board staff requires board serve instrument outreach national headquarters agencies relating agency activities geographic area provide forum exchange information relating programs management methods problems national headquarters agencies field develop local coordinated approaches development operation programs common characteristics communicate management initiatives concerns federal officers employees washington area federal officers employees geographic area achieve better mutual understanding support develop relationships state local governments nongovernmental organizations help fulfill roles responsibilities board facilitate communication collaboration training prepare federal workforce emergencies continuity operations requires director establish fund opm financing essential board functions contributions headquarters participating agency shall deposited submit annual reports congress agencies board program outcomes budget matters report specified congressional committees essential board functions staffing requirements staffing operating expenses


Summary: Realign and Eliminate Duplicative Unnecessary Costly Excess in Government Act of 2012 or the REDUCE Government Act - Establishes the Federal Realignment and Closure Commission to assess the effectiveness and accountability of federal agency programs.  Requires the Commission, during 2013, 2014, and 2015, to: (1) evaluate all agencies and programs to eliminate duplicative functions and wasteful or inefficient spending or mismanagement; and (2) recommend the realignment or elimination of agencies or programs that have completed their intended purpose, have become irrelevant, or have failed to meet their objectives.  Requires the President to: (1) transmit to the Commission and to Congress a report containing the President's approval or disapproval of the Commission's plan and recommendations, and (2) eliminate or realign all agencies and programs pursuant to the Commission's recommendations approved by the President unless Congress enacts a resolution disapproving such recommendations. Makes rescissions from specified federal programs to offset the cost of this Act.

realign eliminate duplicative unnecessary costly excess government act reduce government act establishes assess effectiveness accountability federal agency programs requires commission evaluate agencies programs eliminate duplicative functions wasteful inefficient spending mismanagement recommend realignment elimination agencies programs completed intended purpose irrelevant failed meet objectives requires president transmit commission congress report containing president approval disapproval commission plan recommendations eliminate realign agencies programs pursuant commission recommendations approved president congress enacts resolution disapproving recommendations makes rescissions specified federal programs offset cost act


Summary: Cutting Federal Unnecessary and Expensive Leasing Act of 2012 or the Cutting FUEL Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine: (1) the number of civilian vehicles purchased and leased by each executive agency in FY2010, (2) the total dollar amounts obligated by each agency to purchase and to lease civilian vehicles in FY2010, and (3) the amount that would be 20% less than those combined totals. Prohibits each agency from obligating more than such amount to purchase and lease civilian vehicles in each of FY2013-FY2017. Exempts the purchase or procurement of any vehicle determined by the President to be essential for reasons of national security. Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to ensure that agencies may share excess or unused vehicles for temporary or long-term use through the Federal Fleet Management System.

expensive leasing act cutting fuel act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb determine number civilian vehicles purchased leased executive agency fy2010 total dollar amounts obligated agency purchase lease civilian vehicles fy2010 combined totals prohibits agency obligating purchase lease civilian vehicles fy2013 fy2017 exempts purchase procurement vehicle determined president essential reasons national security directs administrator general_services gsa ensure agencies share excess unused vehicles temporary long term use


Summary: Sunset Act of 2012 - Revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to require federal agencies to submit to Congress and the Comptroller General (GAO) a report every three months containing a copy of any rule made during that three month period and information relating to such rule. Prohibits the implementation of a proposed rule prior to the submission of such report. Requires Congress to enact a joint resolution of approval of any agency rule and sets forth approval procedures. Revises the definition of "rule" for purposes of this Act to exclude: (1) any rule of particular applicability, including a rule that approves or prescribes for the future rates, wages, prices, services, or allowances therefore, corporate or financial structures, reorganizations, mergers, or acquisitions thereof, or accounting practices or disclosures bearing on any of the foregoing; (2) any rule relating to agency management or personnel; or (3) any rule of agency organization, procedure, or practice that does not substantially affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties. Permits judicial review of whether an agency has completed the necessary requirements for a rule to take effect. Requires agencies to designate not less than 10% of their eligible rules for review during each of the next ten years. Terminates any such rule for which Congress has not enacted a joint resolution of approval within 10 years after enactment of this Act. Terminates an agency rule for which Congress has enacted a joint resolution of approval 10 years after the enactment of such resolution. Authorizes the President to exempt a rule from termination if such rule is: (1) necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal law, or for national security; or (2 ) issued to implement an international trade agreement.

sunset act revises provisions relating congressional review agency rulemaking require federal agencies submit congress comptroller_general gao report months containing copy rule month period information relating rule prohibits implementation proposed rule prior submission report requires congress enact joint resolution approval agency rule sets forth approval procedures revises definition rule purposes act exclude rule particular applicability including rule approves prescribes future rates wages prices services allowances corporate financial structures mergers acquisitions thereof accounting practices disclosures bearing foregoing rule relating agency management personnel rule agency organization procedure practice substantially affect rights obligations non agency parties permits judicial review agency completed necessary requirements rule effect requires agencies designate eligible rules review years terminates rule congress enacted joint resolution approval years enactment act terminates agency rule congress enacted joint resolution approval years enactment resolution authorizes president exempt rule termination rule necessary imminent threat health safety emergency enforcement criminal law national security issued implement international trade agreement


Summary: Public Buildings Reform Act of 2012 - Sets forth new requirements for the purchase or lease of federal office space, for limiting rental costs for such space, and for suspending the construction of new courthouses after November 1, 2012. Requires that the acquisition of new federal office space through lease or purchase be offset by the elimination of at least a corresponding amount of space, and that such space be reduced by a minimum of 1 million square feet in each calendar year through 2016. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to: (1) use commercial real estate management services to reduce the cost of federal office space, and (2) reduce the total number of full time employees of the Public Buildings Service (PBS) to 6,000 by FY2015. Suspends until October 1, 2014, the authority to use funds in the Federal Buildings Fund for bonuses, performance awards, or similar expenditures for members of the Senior Executive Service (SES). Requires the Administrator to notify specified congressional committees before entering into any contract related to a conference and to report on expenditures for such conference. Prohibits PBS, through FY2015, from hiring more than 50 individuals for an intern program, recent graduate program, Presidential Management Fellow program, or similar program. Requires the Inspector General of GSA to review PBS internship programs and report on the costs and benefits of such programs. Requires GSA to submit a detailed budget for PBS, including a breakdown of salaries, bonuses, travel and transportation, training, and conferences. Prohibits the Administrator from constructing, repairing, altering, or acquiring by lease, purchase, or otherwise a public building or space unless specifically authorized to do so by Congress. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on: (1) utilization rates of owned and leased public buildings, (2) vacant public buildings, and (3) any increase or decrease of 5% or more in the cost of public projects.

public buildings reform act sets forth new requirements purchase lease federal office space limiting rental costs space suspending construction new courthouses november requires acquisition new federal office space lease purchase offset elimination corresponding space space reduced minimum million square feet calendar year requires administrator general_services_administration gsa use commercial real estate management services reduce cost federal office space reduce total number time employees fy2015 suspends october authority use funds federal_buildings_fund bonuses performance awards similar expenditures members senior_executive_service ses requires administrator notify specified congressional committees entering contract related conference report expenditures conference prohibits fy2015 hiring individuals intern program recent graduate program program similar program requires inspector general gsa review internship programs report costs benefits programs requires gsa submit detailed budget including breakdown salaries bonuses travel transportation training conferences prohibits administrator constructing repairing altering acquiring lease purchase public building space specifically authorized congress requires administrator report congress utilization rates owned leased public buildings vacant public buildings increase decrease cost public projects


Summary: Implementation of Simpson-Bowles Spending Reductions Act of 2012 - Prohibits the total amount of appropriations to the White House for the Executive Office of the President, to the President, and to Congress for FY2012-FY2016 from exceeding 85% of the total amount of such appropriations for FY2011. Eliminates cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Members of Congress during FY2013-FY2015. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 to extend through December 31, 2015, the freeze on any COLA to the pay of certain federal civilian employees (thus extending such freeze from two to five calendar years). Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) take appropriate measures to ensure that the total number of federal employees, beginning in FY2015, does not exceed 90% of the total number of federal employees on September 30, 2011; (2) continuously monitor all agencies, make a determination on whether the total number of federal employees in any quarter of a fiscal year exceeds the maximum number allowed by this Act, and notify the President and Congress if the number exceeds the maximum; and (3) ensure that there is no increase in the procurement of service contracts due to this Act unless a cost comparison demonstrates that such contracts would be financially advantageous to the federal government. Allows the President to waive the workforce limitations imposed by this Act in specified circumstances. Requires OMB to: (1) take appropriate measures through FY2014 to ensure that agencies shall appoint no more than one employee for every three employees retiring or otherwise separating from government service; (2) coordinate with federal departments and independent agencies to take certain steps to limit government printing costs; and (3) dispose of a quantity of real property worth at least $100 million altogether (with specified exceptions) that is not being used, and that will not be used, to meet the needs of the federal government for FY2011-FY2015. Prohibits the total amount of funds appropriated for travel expenses for each agency for each of FY2012-FY2016 from exceeding 80% of the total amount of funds appropriated for FY2011. Reduces the amount available to the General Services Administration for FY2012 and succeeding fiscal years for acquiring new vehicles for the federal fleet to 80% of the amount available for FY2010 for such purpose. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit consideration in Congress of legislation that includes an earmark, limited benefit, or limited tariff benefit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose after 2012, a 10% income tax rate on taxable income of $100,000 or less and a 20% rate on taxable income over $100,000, and a 20% rate for net capital gain exceeding $1 million; (2) reduce the income tax rate on corporations to a flat rate of 20%; (3) repeal various tax credits, deductions, and exclusions, including the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on individuals; (4) provide for 5-year phaseout of specified tax expenditures, and (5) terminate the authority for issuing certain tax-exempt bonds for financing projects relating to energy conservation, infrastructure, and education.

implementation spending reductions act prohibits total appropriations white_house executive_office president president congress fy2012 fy2016 exceeding total appropriations fy2011 eliminates cost living adjustments cola members congress fy2013 fy2015 amends continuing appropriations act extend december freeze cola pay certain federal civilian employees extending freeze calendar years requires office_of_management_and_budget omb appropriate measures ensure total number federal employees beginning fy2015 exceed total number federal employees september continuously monitor agencies determination total number federal employees quarter fiscal year exceeds maximum number allowed act notify president congress number exceeds maximum ensure increase procurement service contracts act cost comparison demonstrates contracts financially advantageous federal government allows president waive workforce limitations imposed act specified circumstances requires omb appropriate measures fy2014 ensure agencies shall appoint employee employees retiring separating government service coordinate federal departments independent agencies certain steps limit government printing costs dispose quantity real property worth million altogether specified exceptions meet needs federal government fy2011 fy2015 prohibits total funds appropriated travel expenses agency fy2012 fy2016 exceeding total funds appropriated fy2011 reduces available general_services_administration fy2012 succeeding fiscal years acquiring new vehicles federal fleet available fy2010 purpose amends congressional_budget_act prohibit consideration congress legislation includes earmark limited benefit limited tariff benefit amends internal revenue code impose income tax rate taxable income rate taxable income rate net capital gain exceeding million reduce income tax rate corporations flat rate repeal tax credits deductions exclusions including alternative minimum tax amt individuals provide year phaseout specified tax expenditures terminate authority issuing certain tax exempt bonds financing projects relating energy conservation infrastructure education


Summary: Restore Effective Statistics to the Calculation of USF Expenditures Act of 2012 or the RESCUE Act of 2012 - Prohibits the Order of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the Matter of Connect America Fund and High-Cost Universal Service Support from having any force or effect after the enactment of this Act. (The FCC Order relates to Universal Service Fund [USF] expenditures and the adoption, on April 25, 2012, of a methodology for establishing benchmarks for capital and operating costs reimbursable to rate-of-return cost companies from high-cost loop support.) Directs the FCC to report to Congress on alternatives to the methodology in such Order and to make such report available to the public on the FCC website. Prohibits the FCC from adopting such an alternative methodology until a specified period after the report is submitted to Congress.

calculation expenditures act rescue act prohibits order federal_communications_commission fcc matter high cost universal service support having force effect enactment act fcc order relates expenditures adoption april methodology establishing benchmarks capital operating costs reimbursable rate return cost companies high cost loop support directs fcc report congress alternatives methodology order report available public fcc website prohibits fcc adopting alternative methodology specified period report submitted congress


Summary: Audit the Pentagon Act of 2012 - Requires, on March 2 of FY2013 and each subsequent fiscal year, a 5% reduction in the discretionary budget authority of a federal agency that is identified by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required to have an audited financial statement: (1) that has not submitted a financial statement for the previous fiscal year, or (2) whose statement has not received either an unqualified or a qualified audit opinion by an independent external auditor. Excludes from such reduction accounts for military, reserve and National Guard personnel and the Defense Health Program account of the Department of Defense (DOD). Authorizes the President to waive a reduction in discretionary budget authority if such reduction would harm national security or members of the Armed Forces who are in combat. Requires a report to Congress listing required DOD reports that would no longer be necessary if the financial statements of DOD were audited with an unqualified opinion or that interfere with DOD's capacity to achieve an audit of its financial statements with an unqualified opinion. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) congressional defense committees and DOD should not endanger the nation's troops by reducing wounded warrior accounts or vital protection for members of the Armed Forces in harm's way, (2) the valuation of legacy assets by DOD should be simplified without compromising essential controls or generally accepted government auditing standards, and (3) this Act should not be construed to require or permit the declassification of accounting details about classified defense programs and DOD should ensure financial accountability in such programs. .

audit pentagon act requires march fy2013 subsequent fiscal year reduction discretionary budget authority federal agency identified director office_of_management_and_budget omb required audited financial statement submitted financial statement previous fiscal year statement received unqualified qualified audit opinion independent external auditor excludes reduction accounts military reserve national_guard personnel defense_health_program account department_of_defense dod authorizes president waive reduction discretionary budget authority reduction harm national security members armed_forces combat requires report congress listing required dod reports longer necessary financial statements dod audited unqualified opinion interfere dod capacity achieve audit financial statements unqualified opinion expresses sense congress congressional defense committees dod endanger nation troops reducing wounded warrior accounts vital protection members armed_forces harm way valuation legacy assets dod simplified compromising essential controls generally accepted government auditing standards act construed require permit declassification accounting details classified defense programs dod ensure financial accountability programs


Summary: Amends the Jobs Accountability Act, in title XV of division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to revise the deadline for comments by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on information contained in specified quarterly reports to the appropriate agency by each recipient of federal recovery funds with respect to an estimate of the number of jobs created and retained by the expenditure or obligation of such funds on a project or activity. Requires these comments on the quarterly reports in a year to be due 45 days after the report for the last quarter of the year is submitted. (Currently, such reports are due within 45 days after submission to the appropriate agency.) Terminates the requirement of the CBO and GAO comments on January 1, 2016. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to change from semiannual to annual the required reports to the President and Congress from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of specified information and estimates regarding the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Terminates these TARP reporting requirements with the annual period on the last day of which all troubled assets acquired by the Secretary of the Treasury have been sold or transferred out of the ownership or control of the federal government.

amends jobs accountability act title division american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act revise deadline comments congressional_budget_office cbo government_accountability_office gao information contained specified quarterly reports appropriate agency recipient federal recovery funds respect estimate number jobs created retained expenditure obligation funds project activity requires comments quarterly reports year days report quarter year submitted currently reports days submission appropriate agency terminates requirement cbo gao comments january amends emergency_economic_stabilization_act change semiannual annual required reports president congress office_of_management_and_budget omb specified information estimates troubled_asset_relief_program tarp terminates tarp reporting requirements annual period day troubled assets acquired secretary treasury sold transferred ownership control federal government


Summary: Inspector General Improvement Act of 2012 - Requires the inspectors general of the following federal agencies, in addition to the other duties and responsibilities specified in the Inspector General Act of 1978, to supervise, direct, and control audit and investigative activities pertaining to programs and operations: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Department of Defense (DOD); Department of Education; Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Department of the Interior; Department of Labor; Department of State; Department of the Treasury; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); General Services Administration (GSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Intelligence Community; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); and Smithsonian Institution.

inspector general improvement act requires inspectors general following federal agencies addition duties responsibilities specified inspector general act supervise direct control audit investigative activities pertaining programs operations international_development usaid board_of_governors federal_reserve_system department_of_defense dod department_of_education department_of_health_and_human_services hhs department_of_homeland_security dhs department_of_the_interior department_of_labor department_of_state department treasury environmental_protection_agency epa general_services_administration gsa government_accountability_office gao intelligence_community national_archives_and_records_administration nara nuclear_regulatory_commission nrc smithsonian_institution


Summary: Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), not later than 150 days after the enactment of this Act, to coordinate with the heads of federal agencies to: (1) use available administrative authority to eliminate, consolidate, or streamline federal programs and agencies with duplicative and overlapping missions as identified in the February 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled "Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap and Fragmentation, Achieve Savings, and Enhance Revenue" and the March 2011 GAO report entitled "Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue" and apply any savings towards deficit reduction; (2) report to Congress any legislative changes required to further eliminate, consolidate, or streamline such programs and agencies; (3) determine the total cost savings to each agency from the implementation of this Act; and (4) rescind from appropriate accounts the greater of $10 billion or the total amount of such cost savings.

requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb later days enactment act coordinate heads federal agencies use available administrative authority eliminate consolidate streamline federal programs agencies duplicative overlapping missions identified february government_accountability_office gao report entitled opportunities reduce duplication overlap fragmentation achieve savings enhance revenue march gao report entitled opportunities reduce potential duplication government programs enhance revenue apply savings deficit reduction report congress legislative changes required eliminate consolidate streamline programs agencies determine total cost savings agency implementation act rescind appropriate accounts greater billion total cost savings


Summary: Establishes the Commission on Congressional Budgetary Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies. Directs the President to designate two Commission co-chairpersons. Requires the Commission to: (1) establish a systematic method for assessing the effectiveness and accountability of agency programs; (2) divide such programs into four equal budgetary parts; (3) evaluate executive agencies and their programs identified in each unit identified in the assessment; and (4) submit to Congress each of the next four years a plan recommending agencies and programs that should be realigned or eliminated and proposing implementing legislation. Provides for expedited consideration of such legislation.

directs president designate commission chairpersons requires commission establish systematic method assessing effectiveness accountability agency programs divide programs equal budgetary parts evaluate executive agencies programs identified unit identified assessment submit congress years plan recommending agencies programs realigned eliminated proposing implementing legislation provides expedited consideration legislation


Summary: Full Faith and Credit Act - Requires the authority of the Department of the Treasury to pay the principal and interest on debt held by the public to take priority over all other obligations incurred by the government in the event the federal debt reaches the statutory limit.

faith credit act requires authority department_of_the_treasury pay principal interest debt held public priority obligations incurred government event federal debt reaches statutory limit


Summary: Stop the OverPrinting (STOP) Act of 2011 - Requires the Public Printer to make bills and resolutions available for the use of offices of Members of Congress only in an electronic format accessible through the Internet.

stop stop act requires public printer bills resolutions available use offices members congress electronic format accessible internet


Summary: Government Accountability Office Improvement Act of 2011- (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) obtain federal agency records required to discharge his or her duties, including by bringing civil actions under this Act, (2) make and retain copies of agency records, and (3) administer oaths when investigating fraud or federal employee misconduct. (Sec. 4) States that no provision of the Social Security Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (including any information disclosed to the Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for purposes of pre-merger review under the Clayton Act) shall be construed to limit, amend, or supersede GAO's authority to obtain any information, inspect, or copy any record under this Act. Requires GAO to prescribe policies and procedures to protect from public disclosure proprietary or trade secret information obtained pursuant to this Act. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) alter or amend the prohibitions against the disclosure of trade secrets or other sensitive information prohibited by federal and other applicable laws; or (2) affect prohibitions applicable to GAO against unauthorized disclosure of information. (Sec. 5) Requires GAO to notify a congressional committee or Member of Congress if an agency has not provided within 30 days information requested by GAO relating to any request from such committee or Member. (Sec. 6) Requires agency statements on actions taken or planned in response to GAO recommendations to be submitted to the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the pertinent agency program or activity and to GAO.

sec authorizes comptroller general gao obtain federal agency records required discharge duties including bringing civil actions act retain copies agency records administer oaths investigating fraud federal employee misconduct sec states provision social security act cosmetic act scott antitrust improvements act including information disclosed assistant attorney general antitrust_division_of_the_department_of_justice doj federal_trade_commission ftc purposes pre merger review clayton act shall construed limit amend supersede gao authority obtain information inspect copy record act requires gao prescribe policies procedures protect public disclosure proprietary trade secret information obtained pursuant act declares act shall construed alter amend prohibitions disclosure trade secrets sensitive information prohibited federal applicable laws affect prohibitions applicable gao unauthorized disclosure information sec requires gao notify congressional committee member congress agency provided days information requested gao relating request committee member sec requires agency statements actions taken planned response gao recommendations submitted congressional committees jurisdiction pertinent agency program activity gao