Weber Times

On May 13, 2024, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing the misuse of federal funds. The legislation, known as H.R. 8343 or the Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act, proposes more comprehensive reporting requirements for new federal spending programs and mandates compliance with current reporting standards across all programs.

The Act is designed to protect taxpayer dollars by providing detailed information on programs and activities susceptible to improper payments. This information will equip Congress and executive branch agencies with the necessary tools to detect and prevent such payments.

"Over the last 20 years, the federal government has made $2.7 trillion in improper payments. Mishandling taxpayer dollars with little oversight is big government at its worst," said Congressman Blake Moore. "That is why I am pleased to introduce the Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act as part of the House Budget Committee’s package to tackle improper payments."

He added that this legislation would increase reporting requirements for new federal spending programs, thereby improving their ability to detect and prevent improper payments while responsibly managing federal resources.

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger also commented on the issue, stating that American taxpayers deserve assurance that their tax dollars are being used for their intended purpose. She noted that reports of incorrect or fraudulent payments not only harm taxpayers but also undermine public trust in the government's management of taxpayer dollars.

"Improper payments and fraud not only hurt American taxpayers — but also hurt the members of our communities who federal programs are created to assist and diminish public trust in the federal government’s role managing taxpayer dollars," she said.

Supporting groups for this legislation include: the Utah Taxpayers Association, Audient Group, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, National Taxpayers Union, Project On Government Oversight, and Taxpayers Protection Alliance.