Bill targets fraud and improper payments across federal programs

What does this do?

This bill requires states and agencies to better track, verify, and recover improper payments in programs like Medicare, Medicaid, child care subsidies, and TANF. It bans people convicted of loan or grant fraud from future SBA assistance, extends the prosecution deadline for COVID-era fraud, rescinds unspent COVID relief funds toward deficit reduction, restricts aid to entities tied to certain foreign governments, and increases transparency in federal contract and grant spending.

Who does it affect?

Federal agencies, state governments running federally funded programs, small businesses and nonprofits receiving federal money, government contractors, veterans, low-income Americans in assistance programs, and organizations involved in foreign aid to Afghanistan.

Why does it matter?

The changes add new verification, reporting, and recovery requirements that agencies, states, and program participants must comply with, along with new restrictions on who can receive federal assistance.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Rescinds unspent covid relief funds
• Money goes to deficit reduction
• The president may request exceptions