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's important to me that our country spends its money wisely. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform and Armed Services Committees, it is my responsibility to stop waste and fraud in government. Several of my provisions that cut 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. Savings like these 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 during an Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing. (Click here to watch the video.) To prevent this from happening again I reached across the aisle and introduced a bill with former Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA). The SERV Act clarifies the definition of active duty military service and training to exclude enrollment at a military prep school and honors our Veterans by ensuring their benefits are reserved solely for those who actually served our country.
In the 8th District, I hosted a community-wide event where constituents were asked to give feedback on policies that could reduce our deficit over the coming years. I've also met with seniors throughout the District to discuss ways to prevent Medicare and Social Security fraud on the local and federal levels.
Whether it's 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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