S.269 - Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.269, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, aims to improve coordination between federal and state agencies to prevent improper payments to deceased individuals. It amends Section 801(a) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, to require the Commissioner of Social Security to share information with the Do Not Pay working system. This information sharing is intended to enhance the system's ability to identify and prevent payments to deceased individuals.
The bill also includes a conforming amendment to adjust the effective date of certain provisions to December 28, 2026. The goal is to reduce waste and fraud in government payments by ensuring that information about deceased individuals is readily available to agencies responsible for disbursing funds.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on January 28, 2025, by Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Peters and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be improved coordination between federal and state agencies in preventing improper payments to deceased individuals. This will likely result in reduced government spending due to decreased fraud and errors in payment distribution.
By sharing information between the Social Security Administration and the Do Not Pay system, the bill aims to create a more efficient and effective system for verifying eligibility for government payments. The changes will take effect on December 28, 2026, providing time for agencies to implement the necessary adjustments.
Ultimately, the bill seeks to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure that government resources are used appropriately.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces improper government payments to deceased individuals.
- Improves coordination between federal and state agencies.
- Enhances the effectiveness of the Do Not Pay working system.
- Potentially saves taxpayer money by preventing fraud and errors.
- Streamlines the process of verifying eligibility for government payments.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May require additional resources for agencies to implement the information-sharing system.
- Could potentially lead to delays in payment processing if the system is not implemented efficiently.
- There is a risk of data breaches or privacy violations if the information is not properly secured.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the data provided by state agencies.
- The benefits may be limited if the scope of information sharing is too narrow.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to reduce waste and fraud in government spending. The Constitution grants Congress the power to collect taxes and spend money for the general welfare of the United States.
By preventing improper payments, the bill promotes efficient use of taxpayer dollars, which can be seen as contributing to the general welfare. There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions regarding individual rights or federalism.
However, the implementation of the information-sharing system must adhere to privacy protections to avoid potential violations of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
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).