Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1533 - PIIA Reform Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.1533, the PIIA Reform Act, aims to reduce improper payments within the federal government. It establishes an "Overpayment Czar" within the Office of Federal Financial Management to oversee and improve payment integrity. The bill also expands the scope of programs subject to improper payment reviews and mandates greater state investment in payment integrity tools.

Expected Effects

The bill is likely to lead to increased scrutiny of federal and state spending, potentially resulting in reduced waste and fraud. Executive agencies would face stricter requirements for identifying and addressing improper payments, with financial penalties for noncompliance. States would also be required to implement and report on the effectiveness of payment integrity tools.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduced improper payments, leading to potential savings for taxpayers.
  • Increased accountability and oversight of federal spending.
  • Improved efficiency in government programs.
  • Greater transparency in payment processes.
  • Enhanced fraud prevention measures.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased administrative burden on federal and state agencies.
  • Risk of reduced access to benefits for eligible individuals due to stricter scrutiny.
  • Possible delays in payment processing due to enhanced review procedures.
  • Potential for unintended consequences from the "Special Adjustment for Persistent Noncompliance" provision.
  • Increased costs for states to implement new payment integrity tools.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's focus on financial management and oversight aligns with Congress's power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The establishment of an "Overpayment Czar" and the imposition of penalties for noncompliance fall within Congress's authority to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18).

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).