Rigell Supports Measure to Reduce Federal Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

Press Release

Today Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02) voted for, and the House passed, H.R. 5016, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2015, which provides funding for many government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Executive Office of the President. The bill increases accountability and oversight at the IRS; proposes policy provisions that will limit overreach and abuse; reduces funding for redundant or unnecessary programs; and addresses the IRS's improper targeting of conservative groups, as well as prior misconduct. The House has now passed seven out of the 12 appropriations bills necessary to fully fund the federal government in FY15.

"As a businessman now in a season of public service, I fully understand the challenges associated with maintaining efficiency and reducing waste in large-scale organizations," said Rigell. "Congress plays an important oversight role in the management of taxpayer dollars, and I'm proud of House Republicans' commitment to reducing waste, fraud, and abuse of these funds."

Rigell, who has consistently advocated for Congress to remain in session through the August district work period until all 12 appropriations bills have been passed, continued: "The House has made great progress in now passing seven of the required 12 appropriations bills to fully fund the federal government. I strongly encourage Leadership to bring the five remaining appropriations bills to the floor before the September 30 deadline. If that means we stay here through August, then so be it."

More about H.R. 5016, the FY15 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act:

* Cuts IRS funding $1.48 billion below last year and nearly $3 billion below the President's request. In total, the bill brings IRS funding below 2003 funding levels.

* Prevents the Treasury from using any funds to revise, or finalize any regulation related to 501(c)(4) organizations.

* Prevents the IRS from using any funds to enforce the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (PPACA) individual mandate. Moreover, the bill prevents the IRS from transferring funds from HHS to the IRS for PPACA uses.

* Prohibits any funds from being used to subject organizations to additional scrutiny based upon ideological beliefs.

* Prohibits the IRS from using any funds to target individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights.

* Prohibits the IRS from awarding any bonuses to its employees unless tax compliance and conduct are given consideration.

* Prevents any funding from being used to destroy, deface, or dispose of records, regardless of their form or characteristics, in contravention with the Federal Records Act.

* Prohibits any funding from being used by the IRS to create inappropriate videos and hold frivolous conferences.

* Requires the IRS to institute and enforce policies that safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information and protect taxpayers from identity theft.

* Requires the IRS to establish an employee training program that covers issues such as taxpayers' rights, ethics, and applying tax law impartially.

* Prohibits the use of funds for abortion in the Federal Employee Health Benefits program.

* Prohibits agencies funded in the bill such as the IRS, the SEC, and the FTC, to require the disclosure of private email information by internet service providers without a criminal warrant.

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