Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to strengthen the ability of federal agencies to reward employees for identifying cost-saving opportunities within their operations. It significantly increases the maximum cash award an employee can receive for such disclosures from $10,000 to $20,000 , encouraging greater participation in identifying inefficiencies and promoting fiscal responsibility across government. The bill introduces a new definition for "wasteful expenses," specifying them as amounts identified by an employee and subsequently determined by the agency's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as not required for their intended purpose. If the CFO confirms potential wasteful expenses, the agency head must notify the President for possible rescission under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act. Agencies will also be required to publicly report details of meritorious wasteful expense disclosures and the cash awards provided. Additionally, the bill outlines specific eligibility restrictions, preventing officers or employees of an agency's Office of the Inspector General from receiving these awards. It tasks the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with ensuring agency compliance and annually certifying their cash award programs to Congress. The Comptroller General is also mandated to submit triennial reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness and recommend any necessary legislative changes.
Bonuses for Cost-Cutters and Fraud Preventers Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-428| House
| Updated: 6/9/2026
This legislation aims to strengthen the ability of federal agencies to reward employees for identifying cost-saving opportunities within their operations. It significantly increases the maximum cash award an employee can receive for such disclosures from $10,000 to $20,000 , encouraging greater participation in identifying inefficiencies and promoting fiscal responsibility across government. The bill introduces a new definition for "wasteful expenses," specifying them as amounts identified by an employee and subsequently determined by the agency's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as not required for their intended purpose. If the CFO confirms potential wasteful expenses, the agency head must notify the President for possible rescission under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act. Agencies will also be required to publicly report details of meritorious wasteful expense disclosures and the cash awards provided. Additionally, the bill outlines specific eligibility restrictions, preventing officers or employees of an agency's Office of the Inspector General from receiving these awards. It tasks the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with ensuring agency compliance and annually certifying their cash award programs to Congress. The Comptroller General is also mandated to submit triennial reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness and recommend any necessary legislative changes.