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Federal Grant Accountability Act
2/13/2025, 3:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 420
The bill seeks to address concerns about the rising costs of research funding and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. By limiting the amount of indirect costs that can be charged, the bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the use of Federal research funds.
If passed, the bill would require institutions of higher education to adhere to specific guidelines when calculating and charging indirect costs on Federal research awards. This would help to prevent excessive or unnecessary charges and ensure that research funds are being used for their intended purposes. Overall, Bill 119 HR 420 is designed to promote responsible stewardship of Federal research funds and ensure that institutions of higher education are using taxpayer dollars in a responsible and accountable manner.
Congressional Summary of HR 420
Federal Grant Accountability Act
This bill limits the indirect costs that are allowable under federal research awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs). (Generally, indirect costs represent expenses that are not specific to a research project but are needed to maintain the infrastructure and administrative support for federally funded research.)
Specifically, the total amount of indirect costs allowable under a federal research award may not exceed the total amount of indirect costs allowable under private research awards. The Office of Management and Budget must determine the average indirect cost rate applicable to private research awards.
Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on (1) the indirect cost rates allowable under federal research awards to IHEs, including awards made by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other such organizations; and (2) the indirect cost rates allowable under private research awards to IHEs.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 420
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 420
Total Number of Sponsors
2Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
2Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 420
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 420
Comments

Prince Watkins
9 months ago
I think this new bill is good for making sure our tax money is being used right. But why does it only apply to federal grants and not all government spending?
