Contact Congress about S. 78: TRUE Accountability Act
Large federal agencies would have to prepare fraud and payment-risk plans before using emergency money. OMB would set the rules, send the plans to Congress, and update its guidance every three years.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
TRUE Accountability Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Latest action on S. 78: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects large federal agencies that handle emergency funds. It also affects OMB, which would write the guidance and send plans to Congress. Congress would get more regular information about how agencies plan to control emergency spending. People and groups waiting for emergency aid could be affected if the added controls change how fast agencies spend the money.
Why this matters: Emergency money often has to move fast, and that can raise the risk of fraud or payment mistakes. This bill would push agencies to plan for those risks before the next crisis. It could help agencies catch problems earlier and give Congress more oversight. But it could also add work for agencies, and the bill gives them no extra money to do it.
Key provisions in S. 78
- The bill covers major federal agencies listed in federal financial management law, 31 U.S.C. 901(b). These are agencies that already follow special money-management rules.
- OMB must issue guidance within 180 days after the bill becomes law. The guidance would explain how agencies should build emergency-ready internal control plans, meaning plans for checking how money is handled.
- OMB’s guidance must follow GAO frameworks on two risks: improper payments in emergency aid programs and fraud in federal programs. GAO is Congress’s watchdog agency.
- Each covered agency must name a senior official to carry out its internal control plan. That person would be responsible and accountable for the work.
- Agency plans must explain how the agency will quickly check for improper payment and fraud risks. This duty starts when the agency gets extra emergency money, either through a supplemental spending bill or another budget increase.
How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 78
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about S. 78
- What is S. 78?
- Large federal agencies would have to prepare fraud and payment-risk plans before using emergency money. OMB would set the rules, send the plans to Congress, and update its guidance every three years.
- How do I support or oppose S. 78?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about S. 78?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain S. 78 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
