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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 8467· 119th Congress

Government Cracks Down on Wasted Federal Money

ZOMBIE Act

Sponsor
Gary Palmer (R-AL)
Introduced
Apr 23, 2026
Last Action
Jun 11, 2026
Passage
62%
Introduced
Apr 23, 2026
Committee
Floor Vote
Jun 11, 2026
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Requires federal agencies to check for overpayments every 3 years and report findings annually in budget requests.
  • Expands tracking to focus only on payments above correct amounts (excludes paperwork errors that don't cost money).
  • Agencies must document prevention steps taken, like using the Do Not Pay system to block duplicate payments.
  • Increases recovery money agencies can recycle back to original programs: from 25% to 75% of audited funds.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Taxpayers: Targets $100+ billion in annual improper federal payments government agencies already lose to fraud, waste, errors.
  • Federal workers: Creates new reporting requirements but focuses audits on real money loss, not administrative slip-ups.
  • Programs: Up to 3x more recovered dollars can fund the same initiatives instead of being sent to general treasury.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill passed House June 10; now in Senate with no scheduled vote—faces typical 3-6 month floor delay.
  • Treasury Department must develop new risk guidance for agencies within unspecified timeframe after passage.
  • Track progress: Search 'H.R. 8467' on Congress.gov; contact your Senator to ask about Senate timeline.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jun 11, 2026Received in the Senate.
  • Jun 10, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Jun 10, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Jun 10, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Jun 10, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4079)
  • Jun 8, 2026At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Gill (TX) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
  • Jun 8, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8467.
  • Jun 8, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3925-3928; text: CR H3925-3928)