Bill · S. 80· Senate(119-S-80)
STEP Act
- Introduced
- 1/13/2025
- Last activity
- 1/13/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The STEP Act aims to improve the prevention of improper payments within the United States government. It amends title 31 of the United States Code to clarify the definition of a chief financial officer. The bill requires executive agencies to identify new programs or activities that are susceptible to significant improper payments. It also mandates more specific reporting on estimates of improper payments and the implementation of financial controls. Furthermore, it requires agencies to report progress on identifying fraud risks and implementing strategies to curb fraud. Finally, the Act specifies that no additional funds are authorized for its implementation.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring agencies to report on fraud risks, vulnerabilities, and the implementation of financial controls.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+4
The bill enhances oversight and reporting requirements to better manage and prevent the misuse of federal funds.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill seeks to improve the prevention of improper payments and fraud, which can reduce wasted government funds.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of New Programs: Under Section 2(b)(1)(A), agency heads must identify new programs or activities that have outlays exceeding $100,000,000 during their first three years of operation as being susceptible to improper payments. This could help ensure that large-scale new government initiatives are closely monitored for accuracy and efficiency.
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Improved Accountability for Financial Officials: Section 2(b)(3) requires the chief financial officer of an executive agency to include a statement in annual reports certifying the reliability of the agency's identification of programs susceptible to improper payments. This adds a layer of personal accountability for officials managing these funds.
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Enhanced Monitoring of Fraud Risks: Section 2(c)(1)(A)(ii) requires agencies to report progress on identifying fraud risks and vulnerabilities in areas such as payroll, beneficiary payments, grants, and contracts. This focus on identifying vulnerabilities could help prevent the misuse of public funds.
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Implementation of Fraud Prevention Frameworks: Section 2(c)(1)(A)(i) mandates progress reports on implementing financial and administrative controls and fraud risk principles. This standardized approach to managing fraud risk is intended to create more secure federal programs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Additional Funding Provided: Section 3 explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized for the purpose of carrying out this Act. This means agencies must implement these new reporting and monitoring requirements using their existing budgets, which could place a strain on agency resources.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+4Reduces Government Spending+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2
- 1/13/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate