Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes. 10/3/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Improving Government Accountability Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to allow an Inspector General (IG) to be removed from office prior to the expiration of his or her term only on the grounds of permanent incapacity, inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance, conviction of a felony or conduct involving moral turpitude, knowing violation of a law, gross mismanagement or waste of funds, or abuse of authority.Requires the head of a federal entity that intends to remove from office or transfer an IG to communicate the reasons to both Houses of Congress at least 30 days before such removal or transfer.Establishes the term of office of each IG as seven years and [...]

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Latest Action: 10/01/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note) in order to prevent the loss of billions in taxpayer dollars. 1/31/2008--Introduced. Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to: (1) annually review all agency programs and identify those programs and activities that may be susceptible to significant improper payments; and (2) report on agency actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Defines "improper payment" as any payment that should not have been made, that was made in an incorrect or duplicate amount, or that was made to an ineligible recipient. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) provide guidance to agencies for reducing improper payments, addressing risks, and establishing appropriate prepayment and postpayment internal controls; and (2) prepare an annual report [...]

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Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1381-1382)

Bill Text
Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Requires: (1) the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to report quarterly to Congress respecting the expenditures of military and reconstruction funds in Iraq, including efforts to obtain assistance from other countries and an assessment of future funding needs; (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit if either Inspector General fails to submit such report; and (3) the imposition of sanctions against contractors who have engaged in profiteering or fraud. States that: (1) Congress should create a Truman Committee to conduct an ongoing study and investigation of Operation Iraqi Freedom contracts; (2) funding requests for Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning with FY2008 must come through the regular appropriations process and not through emergency supplementals; and (3) the Administration should condition [...]

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Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1694)

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that the lists of earmarks be made available to the general public on the Internet.

2/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that any lists of congressional earmarks, limited tax, and tariff benefits (and the name of the requesting Member), required for legislation reported or not reported by a committee or included in a conference report, be made publicly available on the Internet in a searchable format at least 48 hours before a measure's consideration.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to curtail the growth of Government programs.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that it shall not be in order to consider a bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that establishes a new program or modifies an existing program by adding a new function unless such legislation also eliminates one or more existing programs of equal or greater total cost. Excludes legislation that establishes a new defense, homeland security, or emergency program.

Latest Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Bill Text
To make funds available for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project, under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use up to a specified amount of Federal Crop Insurance Act funds in FY2007 for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project.

Latest Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Bill Text
To make funds available for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project, under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use up to a specified amount of Federal Crop Insurance Act funds in each of FY2007 and FY2008 for program integrity purposes, including the data mining project.

Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3283-3338; text of measure as reported in House: CR H3283-3289)

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. 3/29/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2007. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009-FY2012. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1437-1438)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an Inspector General for the judicial branch, and for other purposes.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government, to be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the Chief Justice. Sets a term of four years, which may be extended by additional reappointments. Authorizes the Chief Justice to remove an Inspector General from office.

Requires the Office to: (1) conduct investigations of alleged misconduct in the Judicial Branch, including the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) conduct and supervise audits and investigations; and (3) prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse.

Provides for whistleblower protection.

Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S501)

Bill Text
A resolution establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. 1/30/2008--Introduced. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting to investigate the awarding and performance of contracts to conduct military, security, and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to support the prosecution of the war on terrorism. Requires investigation, in particular, of allegations of wasteful and fraudulent practices, including allegations regarding any contract or spending entered into, supervised by, or otherwise involving the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), regardless of whether or not such contract or spending involved U.S. appropriated funds. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that any claim of fraud, waste, or abuse under the False Claims Act that involves any contract or spending [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. 8/1/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to provide for a pay increase to covered Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees if the increase that would otherwise take effect would be less than the required minimum percentage (equal to the total annual pay adjustment for General Schedule positions within a pay locality); and (2) nonpermanent merit pay to a such an officer or employee to be decreased by an amount equal to the portion of such person's basic pay that is attributable to the increase provided by this Act.Defines a "covered officer or employee" to mean a Government Accountability Office (GAO) officer or employee whose performance is at least at a satisfactory level and who is not a member of [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Mr. Spratt brought up conference report H. Rept. 110-659 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 1214.

Bill Text
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 5/20/2008--Conference report filed in House.    (There are 4 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional [...]

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Latest Action: 03/10/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select).

Bill Text
To rescind earmarks designated in the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

3/10/2008--Introduced.

Prohibits funds from being obligated or otherwise made available for an item (earmark) listed in the joint explanatory statement accompanying the conference report on H.R. 2082 (Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008) of the 110th Congress (H. Rept. 110-478) in compliance with Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives and Rule XLIV (Congressionally Directed Spending and Related Items) of the Standing Rules of the Senate, unless the President certifies that amounts would be obligated for such item without regard to its appearance in such statement. (Thus, rescinds earmarks designated in such Act.)

Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Rule H. Res. 1190 passed House.

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement.

Bill Text
To amend the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note) in order to prevent the loss of billions in taxpayer dollars. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to: (1) annually review all agency programs and identify those programs and activities that may be susceptible to significant improper payments; and (2) report on agency actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Defines "improper payment" as any payment that should not have been made, that was made in an incorrect or duplicate amount, or that was made to an ineligible recipient. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) provide guidance to agencies for reducing improper payments, addressing risks, and establishing appropriate prepayment and postpayment internal controls; and (2) prepare an annual report with [...]

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Latest Action: 10/01/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note) in order to prevent the loss of billions in taxpayer dollars. 1/31/2008--Introduced. Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 to require the head of each federal agency to: (1) annually review all agency programs and identify those programs and activities that may be susceptible to significant improper payments; and (2) report on agency actions to reduce and recover improper payments. Defines "improper payment" as any payment that should not have been made, that was made in an incorrect or duplicate amount, or that was made to an ineligible recipient. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) provide guidance to agencies for reducing improper payments, addressing risks, and establishing appropriate prepayment and postpayment internal controls; and (2) prepare an annual report [...]

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Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S501)

Bill Text
A resolution establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. 1/30/2008--Introduced. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting to investigate the awarding and performance of contracts to conduct military, security, and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to support the prosecution of the war on terrorism. Requires investigation, in particular, of allegations of wasteful and fraudulent practices, including allegations regarding any contract or spending entered into, supervised by, or otherwise involving the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), regardless of whether or not such contract or spending involved U.S. appropriated funds. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that any claim of fraud, waste, or abuse under the False Claims Act that involves any contract or spending [...]

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Latest Action: 02/08/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
To strengthen the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Congressional Disclosures Protections Act of 2007 - Amends federal personnel law to: (1) define "covered disclosure" with respect to federal whistleblower protections to mean a disclosure of information made by an employee to either House of Congress or to a congressional committee or staff member which such employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; (2) allow federal employees to seek de novo review of their whistleblower claims within one year of filing such claims; (3) expand legal remedies for whistleblowers, including triple damages for lost wages, triple attorney fees, and triple compensatory damages; and (4) require the Office of Special Counsel to provide legal [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) to enhance the Offices of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes. 4/23/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require Inspectors General (IGs) for designated federal entities to be appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or investigations.(Sec. 3) Requires the President, the heads of designated federal entities, the Librarian of Congress, the Capitol Police Board, and the Public Printer to communicate to Congress in writing the reasons for removing or transferring an IG no later than 30 days before such removal or transfer.[...]

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