Bill raises federal waste-reporting bonuses from $10,000 to $20,000
Passed one chamberH.R. 428Latest action
Sponsor: Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann · Representative · TN
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Official title: Bonuses for Cost-Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 428 would let federal employees earn up to $20,000 for flagging wasteful spending, not just fraud.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 428 expands an existing cash award program so federal employees can be rewarded for identifying "wasteful expenses," not just fraud or mismanagement. It raises the maximum award from $10,000 to $20,000 and requires agencies to notify the president so confirmed wasteful funds can be proposed for official rescission.
Who does it affect?
This affects federal employees and agency officials, especially Chief Financial Officers and financial oversight staff who determine and report on wasteful spending. staff are excluded, since flagging fraud and waste is already part of their job.
Why does it matter?
Agencies would face new reporting and compliance requirements, with OPM monitoring and reviewing the program periodically. The general public is not directly affected, though the program could indirectly reduce wasteful government spending over time.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Max award rises to $20,000
- Previously capped at $10,000
- Paid via existing award program
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 15, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jun 9, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.