Federal death records would feed into payment-screening tool under House bill
Placed on the calendarH.R. 2716Latest action
Sponsor: Clay Higgins · Representative · LA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2716 requires SSA to share death records with the Do Not Pay system by Dec. 28, 2026, to stop payments to deceased individuals.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 2716 requires the Social Security Administration to share its death record data with the federal Do Not Pay system, which agencies use to screen recipients before sending payments. The Do Not Pay system already screens for ineligible recipients, and adding death records would allow agencies to catch payments destined for deceased individuals before they go out. The bill sets an implementation date of December 28, 2026.
Who does it affect?
Federal agencies that issue payments, such as benefit programs, grants, or contracts, would use the expanded Do Not Pay system. The Social Security Administration would take on responsibility for sharing its death data with the system.
Why does it matter?
Without this change, federal agencies may continue sending payments to deceased individuals because death record information is not currently routed through the Do Not Pay system. Connecting the two systems is intended to reduce the amount of taxpayer money lost to payments sent to people who have already died.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 8, 2025
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Jan 7, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 371.