U.S. Reps. Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced a GOP-led bill that would ensure full accountability and oversight of infrastructure spending authorized by the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.
“Our country’s infrastructure needs are extensive, but the cost of these projects should not be overlooked,” Rep. Meijer said. “Congress plays a critical role in providing oversight to ensure hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, even for the most essential projects and programs.”
Rep. Meijer on March 31 sponsored the Responsible, Better Understanding of Infrastructure Leveraged Dollars (BUILD) Act, H.R. 7339 with six Republican original cosponsors, including Rep. Davis and U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA).
If enacted, H.R. 7339 would establish the Office of the Special Inspector General for Infrastructure Projects to provide independent and objective supervision of specific projects, as well as leadership and coordination of, and recommendations on, policies designed to promote economic efficiency and effectiveness in administering such programs while also preventing and detecting waste, fraud and abuse in these programs, according to the text of the bill.
“The Special Inspector General for Infrastructure will provide an independent perspective that is focused on efficiency and effectiveness — things the American people deserve,” said Rep. Meijer.
The bill’s newly established Special Inspector General for Infrastructure Projects would be appointed by the president, confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and established within the U.S. Department of Transportation to also coordinate, conduct and review audits and investigations of the handling of infrastructure funding, including the contracts funded by infrastructure funding, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
The position also would provide quarterly reports to Congress on state spending of infrastructure funds, including specifics about contracts entered into by a state to build or rebuild physical infrastructure related to roads, bridges, highways, waterways, ports, rail, and air travel, the summary says.
“Every federal dollar appropriated for any purpose should be subject to independent oversight and supervision to prevent waste, fraud, or abuse of taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Davis. “With an election coming up and control of Congress on the line, some Democrats are pushing to get as much spending from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill out the door as soon as possible, even without adequate spending controls in place.
“That’s a recipe for disaster for the American taxpayer, and that’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Meijer in introducing the Responsible BUILD Act,” Rep. Davis said.