Heller, Fischer, McCaskill: End Wasteful Federal Bonuses

Press Release

U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) reintroduced the bipartisan Stop Improper Federal Bonuses Act. This legislation would prohibit bonus pay for federal employees who commit major infractions under their agency's code of conduct. It would also require employees who engage in egregious misconduct to repay their bonuses.

"Currently, certain federal employees who have violated the law or agency rules are eligible for bonuses, which includes IRS employees with conduct violations. This is unacceptable, and it's time to end the status quo. Our bipartisan legislation will work to protect taxpayer dollars, demand accountability from the federal government, and send a message that government employees are not above the law," said Senator Dean Heller.

"It's my duty to ensure Nebraskans' hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely. Federal employees who have broken the law or who engage in serious misconduct should not receive bonus pay. Today, we continue our bipartisan push to end this ridiculous practice and root out waste in our government," said Senator Fischer.

"This should be a cut-and-dried issue. If you've taken actions that could get you suspended, fired, or even thrown into jail, you shouldn't get a bonus. This bill would help to protect taxpayer dollars from being used to pad the pockets of irresponsible government employees," said Senator McCaskill, former Missouri State Auditor.

Background:

The Stop Improper Federal Bonuses Act would prohibit a federal agency from awarding a bonus to an employee for five years after an adverse finding that could have resulted in a long suspension, removal or jail time. It would also require the employee to repay any bonuses awarded for any year in which an adverse finding is made.

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