House passes 11 oversight bills targeting fraud and improper payments in federal programs
By H. B. Edwards
The House of Representatives passed eleven Committee on Oversight and Government Reform bills this week aimed at combating fraud and improper payments in federal programs, according to a June 11 announcement. The legislative package follows revelations of widespread fraud in federally funded, state-administered programs in Minnesota, California, and Ohio.
Among the measures approved is the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act (H.R. 8464), introduced by Chairman James Comer. The bill seeks to prevent agencies from making payments when there is an elevated risk of fraud or if a payment is likely to be improper. It also authorizes the U.S. Treasury to return payment requests deemed at risk for fraud, shifting agency actions from recovery to prevention.
The Pre-Payment Fraud Prevention and Treasury Data Access Act (H.R. 8463) was also passed, strengthening financial oversight by requiring agencies to verify payee information before issuing payments and reforming access to the Do Not Pay system for better verification. Comer said, “American taxpayers are rightfully outraged when their hard-earned money is stolen by criminals while the federal and state agencies responsible for preventing fraud look the other way... Working alongside the Trump Administration, the Oversight Committee will continue to crack down on fraud, protect taxpayer dollars, and hold bad actors accountable.”
Other legislation includes the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act (H.R. 8312), introduced by Pete Sessions, which ensures Inspectors General have access to anti-fraud analytics tools developed during pandemic response efforts; H.Res. 1335 from Pat Fallon affirming commitment to government-wide reforms; and the Zeroing Out Monetary Benefits Improperly Expended Act (H.R. 8467) from Gary Palmer, requiring comprehensive agency assessments of improper payment risks.
Additional bills passed address workforce training against fraud (Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act), emergency preparedness for future crises (Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability Act), strengthened oversight responsibilities for Chief Financial Officers (Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act of 2025), broad GAO reviews of state-administered programs (Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State-Administered Programs Act), restrictions on felons convicted of defrauding government contracts or grants (Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act), and expanded incentives for employees who identify wasteful expenses or improper payments (Bonuses for Cost-Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act).
Rep. Glenn Grothman said about his training bill, “Americans work hard for their money, and they expect their government to treat every tax dollar with respect... The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act makes sure federal employees receive clear, consistent training on how to spot fraud before it happens.” Rep. Dave Min stated regarding accountability, “Washington has a spending problem and taxpayers deserve better accountability for every dollar...” Several lawmakers called on Senate leaders to take up these measures next.