At a Glance
- What it is: Narrow personnel or funding cuts embedded as amendments.
- Why it helps: Creates immediate accountability when broader reform is blocked.
- Safeguards: Clear findings, narrow scope, and sunset periods.
- Who is covered: Positions or programs identified in the underlying bill or report.
When to Use
- Specific abuse: One office or role is the source of misuse.
- Need for leverage: Negotiations have stalled and a precise cut can unlock progress.
- Public clarity: Constituents expect a visible correction tied to a vote.
Explanation: Choose this tool when the listed conditions match your goal and other routes are too slow or too broad.
How it Works
- Identify: Document the specific role or program to be reduced.
- Draft: Write the amendment with precise titles, accounts, and amounts.
- Coordinate: Clear with the parliamentarian and floor staff for germaneness.
- File and whip: File early, communicate the purpose, and seek a structured rule.
Explanation: These steps focus on speed, clarity, and a documented record the public can follow.
Simple Examples
- Salary bar: None of the funds may be used to pay the salary of the Director of [Office].
- Position reduction: The position of [Title] is hereby eliminated as of [Date].
- Program fence: None of the funds may be obligated for [Program] until the inspector general certifies compliance with audit recommendations.
Explanation: Examples show narrow, real world uses you can adapt quickly.
Risks and Mitigations
- Overbreadth: Keep the amendment as narrow as possible.
- Backfire risk: Present calm, fact-based findings to avoid the appearance of retaliation.
- Process hurdles: Confirm germaneness and drafting requirements in advance.
Explanation: Mitigations keep the tool fair and effective while reducing conflict and delay.
Copy Ready Amendment Text
None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to pay the salary of the Director of [Office], until the inspector general for [Agency] certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that [conditions] are satisfied.
The position of [Title] is eliminated effective [Date]. The head of [Agency] shall reprogram funds to reduce personnel costs accordingly and shall submit a report within 30 days on implementation.