Sponsors (2)
The bill strengthens program integrity and aims to reduce improper payments through GAO assessments and federal recommendations, benefiting taxpayers and program sustainability, but it creates implementation costs and could tighten enrollment rules in ways that delay or restrict benefits for eligible low-income people.
Taxpayers and beneficiaries (particularly low-income individuals) are likely to see fewer improper payments and improved program sustainability because GAO will identify high-risk areas and recommend integrity improvements that reduce waste.
Federal, state, and local governments (and Congress) receive clear, evidence-based recommendations and identification of federal tools and technical assistance to strengthen eligibility/enrollment processes and program integrity.
Eligible low-income individuals could face delays, additional documentation requirements, or wrongful benefit restrictions if tighter eligibility and enrollment controls are implemented rigidly.
Taxpayers will incur additional federal audit and staffing costs to prepare the required periodic GAO assessments.
State and local agencies may face increased oversight pressure and resource burdens to implement recommended changes and federal tools.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires GAO to assess risks to the integrity of federal funds administered by states, localities, and pass-through entities and to recommend mitigation steps to agencies and Congress.
Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a risk assessment—within two years of enactment and periodically thereafter—identifying program areas and administrative practices at the federal, state, and local levels that create the greatest risk to the integrity of federal funds administered by states, localities, and pass-through entities. The assessment must identify systemic vulnerabilities, evaluate evidence-based best practices and mitigation effectiveness, describe Federal tools and technical assistance, and provide recommendations to federal agencies and Congress to strengthen eligibility, enrollment, and other controls. The GAO must rely primarily on existing oversight, audit, and investigative materials (including inspector general findings and prior audits) but may perform supplemental analysis or audit work as needed, set its own methodology, and use existing statutory definitions for "improper payment" and "State."
Official title: Government Audit and Accountability of Federally Funded State-Administered Programs Act
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Ro Khanna · Last progress June 9, 2026