Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) included a provision in the five-year farm bill that was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would standardize data exchanged between assistance programs in an effort to cut waste fraud and abuse.
Reed and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) initially introduced the provision in the bipartisan Standard DATA Act in 2013. The measure calls for consistent data exchanges between federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to improve communication and program integrity.
“Taxpayers want and deserve to know that their government is making progress to streamline and improve assistance programs, helping eligible Americans receive the assistance they need while ensuring those who are not eligible are not receiving assistance inadvertently,” Reed said. “With little communication between programs currently, we leave the door open to more waste and fraud within assistance programs. Our provision puts programs on the same page so that data can be shared consistently.”
Working toward consistent data standards will allow for qualified beneficiaries to receive better care and cut down on wasteful taxpayer spending, Reed said.
“It’s the 21st century and we have to ensure that our federal programs are operating using available technology to accurately provide benefits,” Reed said. “That is fair to both recipients and taxpayers.”