Us Congress House Bill HB4409

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/30/23
• Refer: 6/30/23

Caption

Stop Pentagon Price Gouging Act

Impact

The implications of HB4409 on state laws are significant as it seeks to enhance accountability within the Department of Defense concerning expenditures. It introduces measures for contractors to provide detailed disclosures about pricing strategies. The transparency mandated by this bill may serve as a benchmark for future legislative frameworks aimed at public expenditure oversight and accountability in other sectors. Moreover, it aims to strengthen the requirements for price competition, which could potentially lead to more competitive bidding and lower costs for the government.

Summary

House Bill 4409, titled the 'Stop Pentagon Price Gouging Act', aims to prevent price gouging at the Department of Defense (DoD). This bill seeks to amend the existing laws and establish new requirements around pricing data and transparency for contractors working with the DoD. By constructing a framework that enforces restrictions on pricing, the bill intends to safeguard the federal funds from being misallocated through inflated pricing schemes, thereby ensuring fair pricing practices within defense contracts.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB4409. Critics argue that the increased requirements could impose undue burdens on traditional defense contractors, potentially leading to a slowdown in the procurement process. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the balance between ensuring fair pricing and maintaining a competitive environment that is necessary for defense contracting. Debates are likely to focus on whether the bill effectively achieves its goals without stifling innovation and efficiency among defense contractors.