What does the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act primarily prevent?

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) primarily prevents Congress from passing expensive mandates without considering the funding implications. This act requires that Congress assess the financial impact of any new unfunded mandates imposed on state and local governments before they are enacted. By making it necessary for lawmakers to consider the costs associated with such mandates, the UMRA aims to ensure that states are not burdened with obligations that they cannot financially support. This is particularly important because unfunded mandates can strain state budgets and limit their ability to provide essential services, leading to potential conflicts between federal and state authority.