U.S. Reps. Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced legislation last week to ensure accountability and oversight of infrastructure spending authorized through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Responsible Better Understanding of Infrastructure Leveraged Dollars (BUILD) Act would establish a Special Inspector General for Infrastructure Projects who would oversee infrastructure investment projects. It would also recommend policies that promote economic efficiency and effectiveness while helping to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the infrastructure program.
“Our country’s infrastructure needs are extensive, but the cost of these projects should not be overlooked,” 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. The Special Inspector General for Infrastructure will provide an independent perspective that is focused on efficiency and effectiveness – things the American people deserve. I am proud to lead this effort to ensure taxpayer dollars are used properly to fund our greatest infrastructure needs.”
The legislation would also require the U.S. Department of Transportation to coordinate, conduct and review audits and investigations into the handling of infrastructure funding, as well as provide quarterly reports to Congress on state infrastructure funding spending.
“Every federal dollar appropriated for any purpose should be subject to independent oversight and supervision to prevent waste, fraud, or abuse of taxpayer dollars,” Davis said. “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. Our legislation will establish a Special IG within DOT to oversee and monitor infrastructure spending.”
The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), David McKinley (R-WV), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA).