Congressman Andy Biggs scored a bipartisan legislative victory this week after the U.S. House unanimously passed his Taxpayers Resources Used in Emergencies (TRUE) Accountability Act.
The legislation, H.R. 8466, aims to reduce fraud in federal emergency spending programs by requiring government agencies to develop fraud prevention plans before future emergencies occur. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia, joined Biggs as a co-lead on the measure.
The bill comes as concerns continue growing over waste and abuse in federal programs. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud. The agency also estimates that more than $300 billion in fraudulent payments flowed through COVID-19 relief programs between 2020 and 2023.
Under the legislation, federal agencies must incorporate recommendations from two GAO reports that outline proven strategies for managing improper payments and reducing fraud risks. Supporters argue those safeguards will help agencies protect taxpayer dollars during future emergencies and prevent the widespread abuse that occurred during the pandemic.
“For decades, fraud has run rampant in bloated government programs,” Biggs said in a statement following the vote. “American taxpayers work extremely hard for their money, and they deserve to know that government agencies are committed to wisely stewarding their dollars.”
The unanimous vote marks a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in a deeply divided Congress. Every member voting supported the measure, signaling broad support for stronger oversight and accountability in federal spending.
The Senate already has companion legislation awaiting consideration. Senator James Lankford introduced S. 78 earlier this Congress.
The vote also highlights Biggs’ ability to build bipartisan support around issues with broad public appeal. While Biggs often earns attention for his conservative positions, the TRUE Accountability Act attracted support from lawmakers across the political spectrum, including Democratic co-lead Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. The result gives Biggs an example of working across the aisle to advance legislation focused on government accountability and protecting taxpayer dollars.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where supporters hope lawmakers will advance the proposal and send it to President Trump’s desk. For Biggs, the vote adds another legislative accomplishment to his record as he continues his campaign for Governor of Arizona.
