The Protecting American Taxpayers Act is a proposed measure to prevent fraud in federally funded programs and recover improper payments. It would require child care payments to be based on recorded attendance and service provided, and require providers to keep attendance records for audits. It would direct health agencies to report large increases in certain payments or provider numbers and require investigations or audits in some cases. It would also expand payment reporting and data sharing to help identify improper payments, and require more information about improper payments in the President’s budget.
The measure would rescind certain unused COVID-19 funds and unused funds for Afghanistan reconstruction, with specified amounts directed to deficit reduction. It would extend some deadlines for prosecuting or bringing civil actions over pandemic-program fraud. It would also restrict federal financial assistance to certain entities controlled by agents of named foreign principals, and require reports and actions related to foreign support for the Taliban.
Other provisions would require applicants for covered public assistance to promise not to send remittance transfers while receiving benefits, with a $100,000 fine for breaking that promise. The measure would create a temporary veterans fraud-prevention officer, require a report on AI-related financial scams, and expand protections against retaliation for certain contractor and grantee disclosures. The bill is in progress and has been placed on the Senate calendar; it is not described as enacted.
Child care providers receiving covered funds would need to record attendance and keep service records for seven years. People applying or reapplying for covered public assistance would have to sign a statement promising not to make remittance transfers while receiving benefits. Veterans and their families would have a designated federal contact for help with scams. Employees and other covered people working on federal contracts or grants would receive expanded protections for certain disclosures and for refusing unlawful orders. The proposal also allows broader use of certain personal, tax, employment, and credit information to identify improper payments.
The bill directs some unused COVID-19 and Afghanistan reconstruction funds to deficit reduction. No publicly available information gives an overall cost estimate or the amount of funds that would be rescinded.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.