Bill Requiring White House to Provide Sequestration Specifics Moves Forward

Following bipartisan passage (414-2) in the House on July 18, the Senate on Wednesday passed the Sequestration Transparency Act of 2012 requiring OMB to prepare a report for Congress within 30 days identifying each account to be sequestered and the resulting reductions at the program, project, and activity level; itemizing all exempt accounts; and providing any other data and explanations necessary to enhance public understanding of the sequester. While the Administration initially opposed the Act, press reports now indicate that the President will likely sign the bill into law.