Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2277 - Federal Accountability Committee for Transparency Act; FACT Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2277, also known as the FACT Act, proposes amendments to the CARES Act. The primary changes include extending the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee through December 31, 2026, and renaming it the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Committee. The bill also makes technical and conforming amendments to update references to relevant sections of the U.S. Code.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to enhance oversight and accountability of federal spending related to the pandemic. By extending the committee's lifespan and focusing its mandate on fraud prevention, it seeks to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The technical amendments will update statutory references, ensuring clarity and accuracy in the application of the law.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced oversight of pandemic-related spending.
  • Increased focus on fraud prevention.
  • Improved accountability in government programs.
  • Updated legal references for clarity.
  • Potential for better use of taxpayer money.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased bureaucracy.
  • Risk of political influence on committee activities.
  • Possible duplication of existing oversight functions.
  • Limited scope focusing solely on pandemic-related spending.
  • The committee's effectiveness depends on its composition and resources.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and appropriate funds for the general welfare. By establishing a committee to oversee spending and prevent fraud, the bill supports Congress's responsibility to ensure funds are used appropriately. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties.

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).