Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7677
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Families
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-06: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 513.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act of 2026 (H.R. 7677) requires the Comptroller General of the United States—head of the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO)—to study fraud prevention measures in specific federal programs for early childhood education, child care, and child nutrition. The goal is to assess current protections against fraud by service providers and recommend improvements.
Key Provisions
- GAO Study Requirements:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing procedures to prevent fraud by providers (e.g., child care centers or Head Start operators).
- Analyze if federal data from audits and reports is sufficient to detect fraud and if it is used effectively for that purpose.
- Focus on the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program: Examine program integrity in states that delegate management to counties, cities, or other local entities, and review any state corrective action plans and their results.
- Report to Congress: GAO must submit a report within 2 years of enactment to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The report includes study findings and regulatory or legislative recommendations to strengthen fraud prevention.
- Covered Programs:
- Head Start and Early Head Start (early education for low-income children).
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (meals and snacks in child care settings).
- Child Care and Development Block Grant (federal funding to states for child care subsidies).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new mandate for a GAO study; does not directly alter program rules or funding.
- Could indirectly lead to future changes based on GAO recommendations.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Prompts federal agencies (e.g., Department of Health and Human Services) to review data practices; may result in tighter oversight or new rules to cut fraud, saving taxpayer money.
- Citizens: Improves trust in programs by reducing provider fraud (e.g., fake attendance claims), ensuring more funds reach children and families in need.
- No notable impact on international relations.
- Overall, enhances program efficiency without immediate new costs or burdens.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies administering the programs (e.g., HHS).
- Service providers (child care centers, Head Start operators) subject to fraud checks.
- States, counties, and local governments managing CCDBG funds.
- Families and children relying on these services for education, care, and nutrition.
- Congress, receiving the GAO report for potential action.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens congressional oversight of federal spending via GAO, a standard tool for independent audits (no new enforcement powers created).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to appropriate funds and ensure accountability.
- Political: Bipartisan focus on fraud reduction in popular child programs; neutral, evidence-based approach may build support for future reforms without partisan divides.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-06: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 513.
- 2026-04-06: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-593.
- 2026-04-06: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-593.
- 2026-03-05: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
- 2026-03-05: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (4 pages)
- Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act — issued 2026-04-06 — PDF (6 pages)