WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Improper Payments Transparency Act. This bipartisan bill would require that the President’s annual budget request include clear and comprehensive data on the improper payments made by federal agencies in an effort to eliminate government waste.
Improper payments are defined by U.S. code as any payment that should not have been made, or that was made in an incorrect amount, including an overpayment or underpayment, under a statutory, contractual, administrative, or other legally applicable requirement. Since 2003, the Government Accountability Office estimates that the federal government has made $2.8 trillion in improper payments. However, the true cost of improper payments is likely higher due to a lack of reporting requirements.
“We owe it to the hardworking people of Nevada to make sure that the federal government is using their tax dollars efficiently and responsibly,” dijo el Senador Rosen. “Our bipartisan legislation will help to increase transparency and cut down on wasteful government spending. I’ll keep working to clean up Washington and look after American taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”
“When federal agencies waste money, it means less money for essential services, national defense, or deficit reduction,” said Senator Ricketts. “Transparency brings accountability. My bipartisan bill will highlight where money is being misspent so we can combat waste and save taxpayer dollars.”
Senator Rosen has been a leader in fighting government waste and protecting Nevadans’ hard-earned tax dollars. Last year, Senator Rosen’s bipartisan No CORRUPTION Act became law, barring Members of Congress from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions if they are convicted of felonies related to their official duties. She also helped pass bipartisan legislation out of committee to cut down on wasteful spending by ensuring the federal government does not make improper payments to people after they have passed away. Last Congress, the Rosen-backed bipartisan Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, legislation to increase transparency in government projects that are delayed or over budget, passed the Senate.
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