Eric Burlison
Representative for Missouri · Republican · United States
“(a) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``covered agency'' means-- (A) an Executive agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) an independent regulatory agency, as defined in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code; (2) the term ``covered project'' means a project funded by a covered agency-- (…”
“(a) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``covered agency'' means-- (A) an Executive agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) an independent regulatory agency, as defined in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code; (2) the term ``covered project'' means a project funded by a covered agency-- (…”
“(b) Modifications to Submissions of Cost or Pricing Data.-- Section 3502(a) of title 41, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting ``2026''; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and inserting ``$10,000,000''; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking…”
“(b) Modifications to Submissions of Cost or Pricing Data.-- Section 3502(a) of title 41, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting ``2026''; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and inserting ``$10,000,000''; and (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking…”
“(b) Full Disclosure of Federal Funds.-- (1) In general.--Section 3 of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C.”
“(b) Full Disclosure of Federal Funds.-- (1) In general.--Section 3 of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C.”
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“The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri. General Leave Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, every person employed by the Federal Government should have adequate protection from retaliation for speaking out against fraud, waste, or abuse of taxpayer dollars.”
“``(ii) A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``an employee'' and inserting ``a protected individual''; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following subparagraph: ``(B) it shall not be within the authority of an executive branch official to request that a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee engage in a reprisal prohibited by paragraph (1).''; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Propose appropriate disciplinary action against any executive branch official for any request made of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee that subjected the complainant to a reprisal prohibited by subsection (a).''; and (B) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following paragraph: ``(7) Rights, forum, and remedies not waivable.--The rights, forum, and remedies provided for in this section may not be waived by any public or private agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment, including by any predispute arbitration agreement.''; (3) in subsection (e)-- (A) by striking ``an employee'' and inserting ``a protected individual''; and (B) by striking ``the employee'' and inserting ``the protected individual''; (4) in subsection (g), by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: ``(3) The term `protected individual' means-- ``(A) a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Federal Government, including-- ``(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; and ``(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); ``(B) an employee of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Federal Government or a former employee of such contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee whose protected disclosure or engagement in any activity protected against reprisal under this section occurred prior to termination, including an employee of-- ``(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; and ``(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); or ``(C) a person performing personal services for the Federal Government pursuant to a contractual agreement for the performance of personal services, including a personal services contract or personal services agreement, including a person performing personal services pursuant to such a contractual agreement for-- ``(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; and ``(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i).''.”
“``(B) Disclosing to a person or body described in paragraph (2) information that the protected individual reasonably believes is evidence of the following: ``(i) Gross mismanagement of any Federal contract or grant, any gross waste of Federal funds, any abuse of authority relating to any Federal contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant, or any violation of law, rule, or regulation related to any Federal contract or subcontract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract or subcontract) or grant or subgrant.”
“SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENT OF NON-DEFENSE CONTRACTOR PROTECTION FROM REPRISAL FOR DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION. Section 4712 of title 41, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following paragraph: ``(1) In general.--A protected individual may not be discharged, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against as a reprisal for the following: ``(A) Refusing to obey an order that would require the protected individual to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to any contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant.”
“``(iii) A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``an employee'' and inserting ``a protected individual''; and (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following subparagraph: ``(B) it shall not be within the authority of an executive branch official to request that a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee engage in a reprisal prohibited by paragraph (1).''; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following subparagraph: ``(E) Propose appropriate disciplinary action against any executive branch official for any request made of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee that subjected the complainant to a reprisal prohibited by subsection (a).''; and (B) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following paragraph: ``(8) Clarification for Scope of Waiver Restrictions.--The rights, forum, and remedies provided for in this section may not be waived by any public or private agreement, policy, form, or condition of employment, including by any predispute arbitration agreement.''; (3) in subsection (f)-- (A) by striking ``an employee'' and inserting ``a protected individual''; and (B) by striking ``the employee'' and inserting ``the protected individual''; and (4) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) The term `protected individual' means-- ``(A) a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including-- ``(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; and ``(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); ``(B) an employee of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee of the Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or a former employee of such contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee whose protected disclosure or engagement in any activity protected against reprisal under this section occurred prior to termination, including an employee of-- ``(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; and [[Page H4665]] ``(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i); or ``(C) a person performing personal services for the Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration pursuant to a contractual agreement for the performance of personal services, including a personal services contract or personal services agreement, and who engages in an activity for which any reprisal is prohibited under subsection (a), including a person performing personal services pursuant such a contractual agreement for-- ``(i) the government of each of the several States, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States; and ``(ii) the government of any political subdivision of, agency of, or instrumentality of, a government listed in clause (i).''.”
“``(ii) Gross mismanagement of any National Aeronautics and Space Administration contract or grant, any gross waste of Administration funds, any abuse of authority relating to an Administration contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant, or any violation of law, rule, or regulation related to any Administration contract or subcontract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract or subcontract) or grant or subgrant.”
“``(B) Disclosing to a person or body described in paragraph (2) information that the protected individual reasonably believes is evidence of the following: ``(i) Gross mismanagement of any Department of Defense contract or grant, any gross waste of Department funds, any abuse of authority relating to any Department contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant, or any violation of law, rule, or regulation related to any Department contract or subcontract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract or subcontract) or grant or subgrant.”
“This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. DEFENSE CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES: PROTECTION FROM REPRISAL FOR DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION. Section 4701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)-- (I) by striking ``An employee'' and all that follows through ``services contractor'' and inserting ``A protected individual''; and (II) by striking ``disclosing'' and all that follows through ``evidence of''; and (ii) by striking subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) and inserting the following subparagraphs: ``(A) Refusing to obey an order that would require the protected individual to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to any contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4664-H4666] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXPANDING WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS FOR CONTRACTORS ACT OF 2026 Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5578) to ensure that whistleblowers, including contractors, are protected from retaliation when a Federal employee orders a reprisal, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 5578 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.”
“Only when Congress and the public have better visibility into these mismanaged government projects will we be able to avoid such boondoggles in the future. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1722, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.”
“I thank Senator Ernst once again for her partnership, and I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense legislation. The people of Iowa are watching. The people of America are watching. Let's give them the transparency they deserve. Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close. I thank the sponsor of the bill. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan and bicameral government reform bill that will ensure the necessary oversight of the over-budget and behind-schedule Federal projects that take place.”
“That is why I introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act. It is simple. It requires the Federal Government to publicly disclose any taxpayer-funded project that is more than $1 billion over budget or more than 5 years behind schedule. No more hiding and no more burying the failures where no one can find them. Sunlight, as they say, is the best disinfectant. Here is the truth: The American people have a right to know where their money goes. Every dollar Washington wastes is a dollar taken from a farmer in Iowa, a nurse working a double shift, or a young family trying to get ahead. I did not come to Washington to protect its comfortable habit of wasting taxpayer money. I came here to defend the people who pay the bills. This bill puts them front and center where they belong.”
“After more than a decade and billions of taxpayer dollars, they are only now beginning to lay track, and the promised line between Los Angeles and San Francisco is nowhere in sight. What the people were promised and what they got are two very different things. However, it is not just California. In Honolulu, a rail project is $4.8 billion over budget, with its completion slipping from 2020 all the way to 2031. In Columbus, a corridor project is 19 years behind schedule. The Federal Reserve's renovation ballooned to nearly $2.5 billion. Air Force One is billions over budget and years behind. The VA's electronic health records system, meant to serve our veterans, tripled from $16 billion to nearly $50 billion. Madam Speaker, these are not rounding errors. These are betrayals of the people who have paid for them.”
“She has been a true champion when it comes to exposing Washington's waste and protecting the hard- earned dollars of the American people. Madam Speaker, Washington's worst-kept secret is its prolific spending problem. Families in Iowa and all across this country have to balance their checkbooks every single month. They budget. They plan, and when money is tight, they make it work or they do without. [[Page H4664]] Washington should be held to that very same standard, especially at a time when our national debt is inching toward $400 trillion. However, instead of accountability, we get boondoggles. Take Governor Newsom's high-speed rail in California. It was supposed to cost $33 billion and connect Los Angeles to San Francisco by 2020. Today, it is more than $95 billion over budget and years behind schedule.”
“The report would include explanations of any changes to the project scope, cost estimate, or completion date. This will help Congress perform critical oversight on behalf of the American people. It will also keep projects on time and on budget. This is a bipartisan fix to increase fiscal responsibility. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks). Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Burlison for yielding me time and for his support of this important legislation, H.R. 1722, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act. I also offer special thanks to my fellow Iowan, Senator Joni Ernst, who is leading this bill in the Senate.”
“I thank Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Yassamin Ansari for their work on the House companion bill. It is time to get this bill sent to the President's desk. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1710 Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I, too, rise in support of H.R. 1722, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025. Congress has a duty to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, transparently, and with real accountability for results, but Federal programs often fall behind schedule or go way over budget without Congress' knowledge. This bill would require that Congress be notified of any project that is more than 5 years behind schedule or $1 billion over budget.”
“We cannot fix what we do not know is broken. This bill directs agencies to report on projects that are more than 5 years behind schedule or have expenditures that are at least $1 billion more than the original cost estimate. The Office of Management and Budget is then required to submit an annual report to Congress summarizing these troubled Federal projects. Congress has a duty to oversee the Federal Government for inefficiency and waste. This bill informs policymakers and allows Congress to address failing government projects before further taxpayer dollars are misused. A similar bill passed the House in the 118th Congress as S. 1258, and the identical bill, S. 766, sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst, passed the Senate in December 2025.”
“Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Congress cannot sit on the sidelines while government projects continue to soar above cost projections and run behind schedule. Each year, the Government Accountability Office reports on such projects, including Federal information technology programs and National Nuclear Security Administration projects. However, there are likely additional government boondoggles flying under the radar, falling years behind schedule, or running billions of dollars over budget. The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act will keep policymakers and the public better informed about government-funded projects that are significantly behind schedule or over budget.”
“(2) Report.--The Director shall submit to Congress and post on the website of the Office of Management and Budget an annual report containing the information submitted under paragraph (1) for the relevant year. (3) Form.--The report required under paragraph (2) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri. General Leave Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“900(c))). (b) Requirements.-- (1) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall issue guidance requiring covered agencies to, on an annual basis, submit to the Director information relating to each covered project of the covered agency, which shall include-- (A) a brief description of the covered project, including-- (i) the purpose of the covered project; (ii) each location in which the covered project is carried out; (iii) the contract or award number of the covered project, where applicable; (iv) the year in which the covered project was initiated; (v) the Federal share of the total cost of the covered project; and (vi) each primary contractor, subcontractor, grant recipient, and subgrantee recipient of the covered project; (B) an explanation of any change to the original scope of the covered project, including by the addition or narrowing of the initial requirements of the covered project; (C) the original expected date for completion of the covered project; (D) the current expected date for completion of the covered project; (E) the original cost estimate for the covered project, as adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (F) the current cost estimate for the covered project, as adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (G) an explanation for a delay in completion or an increase in the original cost estimate for the covered project, including, where applicable, any impact of insufficient or delayed appropriations; and (H) the amount of and rationale for any award, incentive fee, or other type of bonus, if any, awarded for the covered project.”
“(a) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``covered agency'' means-- (A) an Executive agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) an independent regulatory agency, as defined in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code; (2) the term ``covered project'' means a project funded by a covered agency-- (A) that is more than 5 years behind schedule, as measured against the original expected date for completion; or (B) for which the amount spent on the project is not less than $1,000,000,000 more than the original cost estimate for the project; (3) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and (4) the term ``project'' means a major acquisition, a major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code), a procurement, a construction project, a remediation or clean-up effort, or any other time- limited endeavor, that is not funded through direct spending (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4663-H4664] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] BILLION DOLLAR BOONDOGGLE ACT Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1722) to require an annual report of taxpayer-funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1722 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act''. SEC. 2. ANNUAL REPORT.”
“Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support my bill, H.R. 6330. Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important governmentwide reform bill that will save hundreds of millions of dollars while improving the lives of the Federal workforce. [[Page H4663]] Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6330, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“My bill requires agencies to report to Congress on the savings achieved, ensuring continuing accountability to Congress and the American taxpayer. For Federal employees, this means a simpler and more predictable relocation process. For Federal agencies, it means fewer administrative burdens and a more efficient use of administrative resources. For American taxpayers, it means an estimated $300 million to $500 million in annual savings. I thank our chairman, Representative James Comer, for his leadership in advancing commonsense government reforms. I thank my colleague Representative Burlison, who has distinguished himself as one of the greatest defenders of liberty in Congress. I thank the members of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for their thoughtful consideration of my legislation.”
“Customs and Border Protection, have participated in pilot programs that provide employees with a single, upfront, lump-sum relocation payment instead of requiring reimbursement for each individual expense. When given the option, Federal employees have overwhelmingly chosen this streamlined approach. For instance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported nearly $1 million in administrative savings. The GSA estimates expanding this authority across the Federal Government could save taxpayers between $300 million and $500 million annually. Madam Speaker, that is the purpose of my legislation, H.R. 6330. My bill makes this successful authority permanent and available to every Federal agency. My bill preserves agency flexibility by keeping participation optional.”
“Under current law, a Federal employee who is directed to relocate pays relocation expenses out of pocket, retains documentation for each of those expenses, submits detailed reimbursement requests, and then waits sometimes more than 2 years to be fully reimbursed. Meanwhile, the agencies tasked with administering these relocation reimbursements dedicate significant time and resources to reviewing, processing, and reconciling each claim. In some cases, a single relocation can generate more than $140,000 in administrative costs. The result is a process that is burdensome for employees, costly for agencies, and inefficient for taxpayers. Fortunately, Madam Speaker, there is a better way. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S.”
“Madam Speaker, our Republican majority was elected on a promise to make the Federal Government more efficient, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. My bill fulfills that pledge by streamlining the Federal employee relocation process, reducing administrative burdens, lowering costs for American taxpayers, and modernizing an outdated system. To understand why this reform is necessary, let us review how the current process operates. Each year, approximately 33,000 Federal employees relocate across the country to meet the operational needs of their agencies, at a cost of nearly $1.5 billion to the taxpayer.”
“As mentioned, the bill would allow Federal agencies to pay for employee relocation costs through a simple lump-sum payment. It also directs the government to establish an appeals process for employees to dispute reimbursement decisions. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jack). Mr. JACK. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Burlison for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 6330, the Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act. I am grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support this legislation received in committee, and I am grateful for the opportunity to present it before the House of Representatives for consideration today.”
“The simplified lump-sum payments and processes have already been demonstrated to reduce agency costs while boosting employee satisfaction. This bill would expand and codify the successful pilot program to allow all agencies to provide these lump-sum payments to relocating employees when such alternative is the most cost-effective option. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that enacting H.R. 6330 would save the government $306 million over 5 years. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for offering this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise regarding H.R. 6330, the Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act.”
“In fact, current law and regulations require seven categories of mandatory relocation entitlements and another six discretionary. This complexity diverts Federal agency resources that could otherwise be available for other mission-focused priorities. It also comes at the expense of Federal employee satisfaction, as those relocating are forced to navigate a prolonged bureaucratic maze of document filings and payment processes. Fortunately, there is a tested alternative to the current system, as demonstrated by agencies such as the Fish and Wildlife Service and Customs and Border Protection in a recent pilot program. Those agencies have utilized this pilot program to provide negotiated, lump-sum payments to relocating employees who are then responsible for moving themselves.”
“Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, relocating Federal employees who receive assignments to change official duty stations is a costly and bureaucratic process. According to the General Services Administration, which manages such relocations, in fiscal year 2024, the cost for employee relocation across agencies ranged from $11,000 to a staggering $143,000 per employee. This high cost contrasts with the private sector, where relocation costs are considerably less.”
“``(2) Administrator submission.--Not later than 90 days after receipt of the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an analysis of the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (1).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such subchapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 5739 the following: ``5739a. Authority for lump sum payment for relocation.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri. General Leave Mr. BURLISON.”
“``(c) Reporting.-- ``(1) Agency submission.--Not later than 3 years following the date of enactment of the Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act, the head of each agency shall submit to the Administrator of General Services the following: ``(A) Data on the number of employees authorized a one-time lump sum payment. ``(B) The number of employee challenges to agency disallowance of claims pursuant to this section. ``(C) Data on cost savings achieved by the Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act. ``(D) A summary of recommendations to improve the Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act.”
“``(b) Regulations.--Under section 5738 of this title, the Administrator of General Services shall prescribe regulations necessary for the implementation and administration of this section, including-- ``(1) when agencies may authorize a one-time lump sum payment under this section or the payments otherwise authorized or required under this subchapter; ``(2) how agencies will calculate the lump sum amount; and ``(3) the process for employees to dispute a relocation expenses claim with their agency, [[Page H4662]] notice of the employee's right to appeal the agency decision to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and citation to the Board's procedures governing the appeals process.”
“This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. LUMP-SUM RELOCATION PAYMENTS FOR RELOCATED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 5739a. Authority for lump sum payment for relocation ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, when the head of the agency concerned (or a designee) authorizes or approves, an agency, through the proper disbursing official, may pay to an employee who relocates in the interest of the Government, a one-time lump sum payment in lieu of any payment otherwise authorized or required under this subchapter.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4661-H4663] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1700 FEDERAL RELOCATION PAYMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6330) to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for lump-sum relocation payments for Federal employees relocated in the interest of the Government, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6330 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.”
“Madam Speaker, I also urge my colleagues to join me and Representative Burlison in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4123, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“The bill will also open the door for more small businesses to participate in Federal contracting, and, most importantly, it is estimated to save taxpayers millions and millions of dollars. This is common sense, and everyone wins. I urge my colleagues to join me and Representative Burlison in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I couldn't have said it better than my colleague Representative Subramanyam. I urge my colleagues to support this long-overdue governmentwide procurement reform bill that will help the Federal Government to more efficiently obtain the systems and services that it needs to support our critical missions, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SUBRAMANYAM.”
“Madam Speaker, one of the things we focused on in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee is improving government efficiency and modernization, and the FIT Procurement Act delivers on that goal. It raises the micro-purchasing threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold. These thresholds have not been updated in a very long time. They don't reflect how much things cost these days, and these changes will finally allow agencies to move faster to purchase innovative technologies. The bill also allows Federal agencies to prepay for information technology subscriptions, including cloud computing. Prepaying for IT subscriptions will make a huge difference in government access to cutting-edge tools.”
“Taken together, these reforms streamline procurement, reduce wasteful spending, and improve accountability without expanding government or creating new bureaucracy, ultimately leading to disciplined acquisition practices and real savings for the American taxpayer. I thank Chairman Comer for his leadership and commitment to advancing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4123, the Federal Improvement in Technology Procurement Act of 2025. I am proud to be co- leading this legislation with the gentleman, and I thank him for his leadership. I am glad this bill is bipartisan.”
“Raising this threshold alone is estimated to save more than $40 million annually while allowing contracting officers to focus on larger, higher-risk acquisitions where oversight matters the most. Increasing the simplified acquisition threshold further reduces administrative costs and improves economic efficiency for small businesses that are competing for Federal contracts. In addition, the FIT Procurement Act authorizes advanced payments for cloud computing services, allowing Federal agencies to access the same upfront payment discounts that are commonly available in the private sector, delivering additional savings to our taxpayers.”
“To improve workforce capability, the bill requires the Director of Federal Acquisition Institute to develop and implement cross-functional information and communications technology training for acquisition professionals. This ensures those responsible for purchasing information and communication technology have the tools and knowledge needed to make smart, cost-effective decisions. The FIT Procurement Act also increases efficiency by expanding the use of simplified, commercial-style purchasing. It raises the micro- purchase threshold from $10,000 to $25,000 and the simplified acquisition threshold from $250,000 to $500,000. Purchases under the micro-purchase threshold require no contracting officer involvement and significantly reduce the administrative overhead.”
“They make tough financial decisions every day, and they rightly expect Washington to exercise the same discipline and restraint. Too often, however, our Federal procurement system does the opposite. It rewards inefficiency, layers on unnecessary administrative burdens, and slows down agency operations, all at the expense of the taxpayer. These inefficiencies drive up costs and limit agencies in their ability to deliver timely and effective results. My bill, the FIT Procurement Act, addresses these challenges through targeted, commonsense reforms in the Federal procurement process. The legislation focuses on reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, improving coordination across agencies, and strengthening the acquisition workforce through better training and clearer guidance.”
“The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri. General Leave Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. Mr. BURLISON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the FIT Procurement Act. Hardworking taxpayers expect the Federal Government to be a responsible steward of their hard-earned dollars.”
“(3) Catalogs and evaluates the effectiveness of programs intended to support the participation of small businesses in Federal procurement. (4) Analyzes trends in the involvement of small businesses in Federal technology projects, including data on contract awards, the diversity of sectors represented, and the geographic distribution of small business contractors. [[Page H4661]] SEC. 8. CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROCEDURES. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council and the Administrator shall update the Federal Acquisition Regulation as necessary to provide additional guidance to executive agencies to address personal and organizational conflicts of interest involving members of the acquisition workforce. SEC. 9. NO ADDITIONAL FUNDING. No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out this Act.”
“(c) Consideration of Cost-efficiency and Quality.--The Administrator shall advocate for and prioritize contracting policies that ensure that cost-efficiency and quality of goods and services are key determining factors in awarding Federal contracts. SEC. 7. COMPTROLLER GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL PROCUREMENT. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress and make publicly available a report that does the following: (1) Assesses the level of participation by small businesses in Federal procurement. (2) Identifies barriers and opportunities and the impact of policies on the ability of small businesses to compete in Federal procurement.”
“(4) Implementation.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, the Council, and other executive agencies as appropriate, shall implement the regulatory and other non-legislative actions identified under paragraph (3), as determined necessary by the Administrator, to remove barriers to entry for small businesses seeking to participate in Federal contracting. (5) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the relevant committees of Congress on the legislative actions identified under paragraph (3) and the actions implemented under paragraph (4).”
“(2) Consultation.--The Council shall obtain input from the public, including from the APEX Accelerators program (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Center network) and other contractor representatives, to identify Federal procurement policies and regulations that are obsolete, overly burdensome or restrictive, not adequately harmonized, or otherwise serve to create barriers to the participation of small businesses in Federal contracting or unnecessarily increase bid and proposal costs. (3) Examination of actions.--The Council shall consider the input obtained under paragraph (2) and any other information determined relevant by the Council to identify legislative, regulatory, and other actions to increase competition and remove barriers to the participation of small businesses in Federal contracting.”
“(b) Enhancing Competition in Federal Procurement.-- (1) Council recommendations.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene the Chief Acquisition Officers Council (in this subsection referred to as the ``Council'') to make recommendations to identify and eliminate specific, unnecessary procedural barriers that disproportionately affect the ability of small businesses to compete for Federal contracts, with a focus on streamlining documentation and qualification requirements unrelated to the protection of privacy rights and civil liberties.”
“(C) Any use of alternative evaluation methods other than past performance that may be appropriate for a requirement without much precedent, such as demonstrations and testing of technologies as part of the proposal process. (2) Supplement not supplant.--The guidance required by paragraph (1) shall supplement existing Federal and agency policy and procedures for consideration of past performance and other evaluation factors and methods.”