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H.R.296 / 105th Congress

To privatize the Federal Power Marketing Administrations, and for other purposes.

Executive Comment Requested from Bur Reclamation.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 7, 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of Corporations and Transfer of Facilities Title II: Privatization of Corporations Title I: Establishment of Corporations and Transfer of Facilities - Establishes the following Government corporations to operate, maintain, and market the electric power transmission and generation facilities transferred to them under this Act: (1) the Southeastern Power Corporation; (2) the Western Area Power Corporation; and (3) the Southwestern Area Power Corporation. Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Transition Manager for each such Corporation. Prescribes transition guidelines for the transfer of facilities and funds, and the termination of the Federal power marketing administrations. Amends the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 1993 to repeal the prohibition against the use of Federal funds for studies relating or leading to the possibility of changing from the currently required "at cost" to a "market rate," or any other noncost-based method for hydroelectric power pricing by the six Federal public power authorities, or other Federal authorities without specific congressional authorization. Title II: Privatization of Corporations - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to retain the services of investment banking firms to serve jointly as co-lead managers of the public offering for each such Corporation and to establish a syndicate to underwrite the public offering. Prescribes preparation guidelines for such public offering, including the election of a Board of Directors and the private status of the Corporations subsequent to the sale of 60 percent of the Federal interest in each such Corporation.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Shadegg, John B. [R-AZ-4] · R–AZ

Committees

  • Natural Resources Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
5 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Executive Comment Requested from Bur Reclamation.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

  4. Referred to House Commerce

  5. Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Referred to House Resources

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Jan 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.296 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.296 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.296 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.296 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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