Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 110-179.
Official Summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.) Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 30 years for: (1) knowingly falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick, scheme, or device any material fact; or (2) making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or making or using any false writing or document in any matter involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with a major disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or in connection with the procurement of property or services by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier during a major disaster or emergency declaration. Imposes a maximum fine of $1 million and/or prison term of 30 years for engaging in wire, radio, television, or mail fraud during a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) promulgate sentencing guidelines or amend existing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of fraud or theft offenses in connection with a major disaster or emergency declaration; and (2) submit to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees an explanation of its guidelines and additional recommendations for combating such fraud or theft offenses.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007 strengthens federal criminal penalties for fraud related to disaster and emergency assistance. It increases maximum fines and prison terms for knowingly falsifying information or engaging in fraudulent activities connected to benefits, contracts, or services during a major disaster or emergency declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The law also directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to update sentencing guidelines to reflect these enhanced penalties and to report to Congress with recommendations for further combating fraud in this context.
This law imposes stricter criminal penalties for fraud involving disaster relief funds and contracts, aiming to deter and punish fraudulent activities during federally declared emergencies.
- Imposes fines up to $1 million and/or prison terms up to 30 years for fraud related to disaster assistance benefits or contracts.
- Applies to false statements, concealment of material facts, and use of false documents in connection with major disaster or emergency declarations.
- Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise sentencing guidelines and report to Congress on fraud and theft offenses related to disaster assistance.
['Federal agencies responsible for disaster relief oversight, such as FEMA', 'Taxpayers by aiming to reduce fraud and misuse of disaster assistance funds', 'Contractors and suppliers who comply with legal requirements during disaster response']
['Implementation challenges in detecting and prosecuting complex fraud cases during disaster response', 'Potential increased costs for enforcement and judicial proceedings', 'Need for clear guidelines to ensure consistent application of enhanced penalties']
The bill was introduced and passed during the 110th Congress and signed into law on January 7, 2008. It reflects legislative efforts to strengthen accountability and reduce fraud in the administration of federal disaster assistance programs under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential deterrence of fraudulent claims and misuse of disaster relief funds, leading to more efficient allocation of resources.', 'Increased burden on federal law enforcement and judicial systems to investigate and prosecute enhanced penalty cases.', 'Possible increased compliance costs for contractors and suppliers involved in disaster response.']
The bill enhances transparency and accountability by increasing penalties for fraud and requiring the U.S. Sentencing Commission to update guidelines and report to Congress. However, the full bill text is not provided, limiting detailed analysis of specific provisions. Oversight will be important to ensure consistent enforcement and to monitor the impact of enhanced penalties on disaster assistance administration.
GovScope Intelligence Roadmap
Future bill intelligence will connect sponsors, committee referrals, related votes, campaign finance, disclosures, and stock trades into one legislative intelligence view.