Improper Payments Transparency Act
The Improper Payments Transparency Act would amend title 31, United States Code, to require the President’s annual budget submission to include new information about improper payments for federal programs. Specifically, it directs executives agencies that are required to submit improper payment reports to provide, within the budget, a narrative description and analysis of improper payment amounts and rates. This includes explanations for why improper payments occurred, trends over the previous three years (for programs whose improper payment amounts or rates have risen or fallen on average, and for those whose levels have stayed the same), and details on corrective actions that are incomplete and the steps the agency will take to address the issues (including actions already identified in corrective action plans under existing law). The goal is to improve transparency and accountability around improper payments in federal programs.
Key Points
- 1Adds a new item to the President’s budget submission (Section 1105(a)) to include information on improper payment amounts and rates for programs and activities at executive agencies required to submit improper payment reports.
- 2Requires a narrative description with detailed explanations of why improper payments occurred and trends over the prior three years for:
- 3- Programs/activities whose improper payment amounts/rates increased or decreased on average.
- 4- Programs/activities whose improper payment amounts/rates did not change over those years.
- 5Requires disclosure of corrective actions that are incomplete and the steps the agency will take to address improper payment issues, including actions in corrective action plans under section 3352(d) of title 31.
- 6Applies to executive agencies that are required to submit improper payment reports under subchapter IV of chapter 33 of title 31.