Two Chaffetz-Sponsored Bills Brought to a Vote in the House

Press Release

The House of Representatives voted on two pieces of legislation sponsored by Congressman Jason Chaffetz today. H.R. 882, the Contracting and Tax Accountability Act, which prohibits companies with seriously delinquent federal tax debts from receiving new federal contracts, passed with a unanimous vote of 407 -- 0.

"Federal employees and contractors who are on the federal payroll should be first in line to pay their taxes," said Chaffetz. "Most taxpayers file accurate tax returns and pay the taxes they owe on time, regardless of their income. Federal employees and individuals applying for federal employment should do the same."

H.R. 882, is bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), and is designed to mandate tax compliance as a prerequisite for receiving a federal contract or grant. Similar legislation was also introduced in the 110th Congress by then-Senator Barack Obama.

Additionally, H.R. 249, the Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act, was also voted on. Though it gained a majority of votes, 250 -- 159, it failed to gain the two-thirds majority required to suspend the rules.

"Tax delinquency continues to be a major problem. I will continue to pursue a remedy in a bipartisan way. If we are going to protect the overwhelming majority of good and decent federal workers we have a responsibility to root out the bad apples," said Chaffetz.

Identical versions of H.R. 249 and H.R. 882 were introduced in the House during the 112th Congress. The Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act passed through the House but was never brought up in the Senate. H.R. 882 now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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