WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09), and Steve Stivers (OH-15) introduced a bipartisan bill to hold federal officials responsible when they spend taxpayer money illegally. The Cut the Perks Act [H.R.6295] would require political appointees to personally reimburse the government for illegal expenditures of public money.

“As a former FBI Special Agent in the Political Corruption Unit, I understand the crucial importance of clean government and anti-corruption efforts to maintaining the trust between every American citizen and their government officials,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Any federal government official found to be making illegal taxpayer-funded purchases should be held fully accountable. By making these federal officials personally reimburse the taxpayer, the Cut the Perks Act would begin restoring the essential trust between the American people and their government.”

“Arizonans are sick and tired of having their hard-earned tax dollars wasted. No taxpayer should ever foot the bill for Washington bureaucrats’ illegal expenses,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “Our bipartisan bill forces administration appointees to pay back the taxpayers for illegal expenses and demands accountability. I will continue to work across the aisle to stand up for Arizona taxpayers.”

Under current law, there is no recourse for taxpayers if an Inspector General (IG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) determine that a federal official’s expense is illegal. The Cut the Perks Act requires political appointees to personally reimburse the government for the amount of a personal expense if deemed a willful violation of federal law.

Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), and David Young (IA-03) joined Fitzpatrick, Sinema and Stivers to introduce the bill.

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