H.R.1771 - Improper Payments Transparency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1771, the Improper Payments Transparency Act, aims to amend Title 31 of the United States Code to enhance transparency regarding improper payments within federal programs. The bill mandates the inclusion of detailed information on improper payment amounts and rates in the President's budget submission. This includes explanations for why these improper payments occur and the corrective actions being taken by executive agencies.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased scrutiny of federal programs and activities regarding improper payments. It will also require executive agencies to provide more detailed explanations and plans for addressing these issues. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce improper payments and improve the efficiency of government spending.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Transparency: The public gains better insight into how federal funds are being managed and where improper payments are occurring.
- Improved Accountability: Executive agencies are held more accountable for addressing and reducing improper payments.
- Enhanced Efficiency: By identifying and correcting the causes of improper payments, the government can improve the efficiency of its programs.
- Better Resource Allocation: Resources can be reallocated from programs with high improper payment rates to more effective areas.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The detailed information provided can inform better decision-making regarding program management and oversight.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Administrative Burden: Executive agencies may face increased administrative burdens in collecting and reporting the required information.
- Potential for Political Exploitation: The data on improper payments could be used for political attacks or to undermine public trust in government programs.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses primarily on reporting and transparency, and may not address the underlying causes of improper payments.
- Risk of Inaccurate Data: The accuracy of the reported data depends on the effectiveness of agency reporting systems.
- Potential for Unintended Consequences: Increased scrutiny could lead to risk-averse behavior, potentially hindering program innovation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on government transparency and accountability. While the Constitution does not explicitly address improper payments, Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money, suggests an intent for fiscal transparency. The bill also falls under Congress's power to legislate for the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble.
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).