Bill > S80

This bill, known as the STEP Act (Safeguarding the Transparency and Efficiency of Payments Act), aims to improve the prevention of improper payments across federal agencies by enhancing financial oversight and reporting requirements. The bill modifies existing federal code to expand definitions of key financial roles, such as clarifying what constitutes a "chief financial officer" across different types of executive agencies. It requires agencies to more comprehensively identify and report on programs susceptible to significant improper payments, including newly established programs with outlays exceeding $100 million in any of their first three fiscal years. The legislation mandates that agency heads submit annual reports to Congress detailing their progress in implementing financial controls, identifying fraud risks, and establishing strategies to prevent improper payments. These reports must include the chief financial officer's certification of the agency's ability to identify potentially problematic programs and a description of actions taken to monitor and address potential improper payment issues. Importantly, the bill requires agencies to align with fraud risk principles established by the Government Accountability Office and follow specific Office of Management and Budget guidelines. The bill does not authorize additional funding for its implementation, meaning agencies are expected to absorb these new requirements within existing budgets.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/80/all-info