H.R. 4311: Delivering On Government Efficiency in Spending Act

The bill titled "Delivering On Government Efficiency in Spending Act" aims to amend the U.S. Code related to federal fund disbursements. Here’s an overview of its key provisions:

Mandatory Reporting of Payment Information

The bill requires federal agencies to provide specific information about any payments submitted for disbursement through the U.S. Treasury's payment system. Agencies must report:

• Payment Purpose: A brief description of what the payment is for.
• Appropriations Account: The account from which funds are drawn.
• Activity Type: The kind of activity being reported.

Periodic Updates and Accuracy Checks

At least once a year, agencies must review and confirm the accuracy and completeness of the reported payment information. A certifying official within each agency is responsible for this verification and must attest to the accuracy of the information collected.

Public Reporting Requirements

The bill mandates that after each payment is certified, the relevant information must be made publicly available within 30 days. This is to enhance transparency and accountability regarding federal spending.

Exemptions for Sensitive Operations

There are exceptions to these reporting requirements if complying might adversely affect sensitive operations related to law enforcement or national security. In such cases, the head of the agency can certify the exemption to the Secretary of the Treasury.

Agency Oversight and Implementation

The Secretary of the Treasury is empowered to issue regulations to implement these amendments. Additionally, the law provides that no legal liability will arise for disbursing officials for actions taken under this new reporting framework.

Data Access for Program Integrity

The bill enhances the Treasury’s ability to identify, prevent, and recover improper payments by allowing access to various databases, including:

• The National Directory of New Hires, which will help identify individuals who should not receive payments.
• Information for verifying bank accounts and ensuring accurate payments.

Privacy-Preserving Measures

To safeguard personal information, the bill stipulates that certain taxpayer information may be shared with the Treasury to support efforts in combatting improper payments while maintaining confidentiality compliance.

Social Security Information Access

The bill also establishes a process for the Social Security Administration to provide identifying information to the Treasury, which can be used to enhance the effectiveness of the Do Not Pay system aimed at preventing waste and fraud in federal payments.

Relevant Companies

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