Issue Position: Cutting Waste and Fraud

Issue Position

American taxpayers who work hard every day and play by the rules should have confidence that their government is doing the same. It is important to me that America spends its money wisely. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, it is my responsibility to stop waste and fraud in government. In 2013, several of my provisions cutting waste and fraud in the military became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. One provision returns our military to a single camouflage pattern and could save the Army $82 million if it partnered with another service to have a common uniform rather than fielding yet another service-specific one. These provisions also provide for increased oversight for military equipment purchases and are the types of savings that will allow us to reduce our debt and protect programs that mean so much to working families.

In 2013, I brought attention to an IRS contractor exploiting loopholes meant to assist Veterans with disabilities. (Click here to watch the video.) To prevent this from happening again I reached across the aisle and introduced a bill with the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA). The SERV Act will clarify the definition of active duty military service and training to exclude enrollment at a military prep school. The SERV Act will honor our Veterans by ensuring their benefits are reserved solely for those who actually served our country.

Whether its standing up to those who take advantage of programs for Veterans or reducing waste in redundant government programs, I will continue working to make sure my neighbors' money is put to good use.

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