Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act of 2024
The implications of this bill are significant, as it introduces a new layer of scrutiny for individuals convicted of defined felonies involving government contracts or financial assistance. By formalizing the exclusion of these individuals, the bill intends to protect federal financial resources and reinforces accountability in procurement processes across various federal agencies. It mandates that the Attorney General notifies the Administrator of General Services of such convictions, ensuring timely updates to the exclusions list, which plays a crucial role in federal contract transparency and compliance.
House Bill 9992, titled the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act of 2024, seeks to amend Title 41 of the United States Code by instituting a prohibition against individuals convicted of certain federal felonies from engaging in federal programs. Specifically, these individuals would be placed on the System for Award Management Exclusions list, thereby disallowing them from receiving contracts, grants, or other financial assistance from federal agencies. The bill aims to enhance the integrity of federal funds and minimize the potential for fraud within government programs.
Notably, the bill includes provisions for possible waivers, allowing agency heads to exempt individuals from the exclusion under certain circumstances, which could foster debate surrounding the fairness and application of such exemptions. Critics may argue that the limitations might not consider individual rehabilitation or circumstances surrounding the convictions, potentially impacting a broader pool of individuals seeking opportunities within federal programs. Overall, the bill's passage reflects a growing trend towards ensuring that federal funding is allocated only to those deemed trustworthy and compliant with legal standards.