Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

Sponsored bySen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]LA· Introduced 28 janvier 2025

Open on Congress.gov

Cosponsors

Actions

Amendments

Committees

—

Since introduced

Introduced

Committee

Passed Chamber

Passed Both

Enacted

Step 4 of 0

Latest action

Became Public Law No: 119-77.

10 février 2026·5 months ago

Summary

Public Law · Updated 25 juin 2026

Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

This act permanently allows the Department of the Treasury to access certain death records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help prevent and recover improper payments (e.g., payments to deceased individuals). The act also establishes evidentiary requirements the SSA must meet before identifying an individual as deceased.

Current law requires the SSA to share its Death Master File with the Do Not Pay system maintained by Treasury for three years. The act makes this requirement permanent. Treasury must enter into an agreement with the SSA related to Treasury's share of the cost of state death data.

The act also prohibits the SSA from recording a death in the master file unless the SSA has clear and convincing evidence that the individual should be presumed deceased. If an individual is incorrectly identified as deceased and provides the SSA with supporting documentation, the SSA may notify certain agencies that have access to the master file, including Treasury and federal or state agencies that provide or disburse federally funded benefits.

Timeline

22 actions

Signed by President.
10 février 2026 · President
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
10 février 2026 · President
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
10 février 2026 · BecameLaw
Signed by President.
10 février 2026 · BecameLaw
Presented to President.
3 février 2026 · Floor
Presented to President.
3 février 2026 · President
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H634-637)
12 janvier 2026 · Floor
Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
12 janvier 2026 · Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 269.
12 janvier 2026 · Floor
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
12 janvier 2026 · Floor
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
12 janvier 2026 · Floor
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12 janvier 2026 · Floor
Received in the House.
10 octobre 2025 · Floor
Held at the desk.
10 octobre 2025 · Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
8 octobre 2025 · Floor
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6798)
19 septembre 2025 · Discharge
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6798)
19 septembre 2025 · Floor
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
19 septembre 2025 · Floor
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
19 septembre 2025 · Committee
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
30 juillet 2025 · Committee

2 earlier actionsView all on Congress.gov

Sponsorship

5 cosponsors

Sponsor

Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]LA

Cosponsors

Democrat360%
Republican240%

Democrat:Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]NH
Republican:Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]FL
Republican:Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]IA
Democrat:Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]VA
Democrat:Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]MI

Classification

Policy area

Social Welfare

Legislative subjects

Disability assistanceIntergovernmental relationsSocial security and elderly assistance

Committees

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Senate · Standing
- Referred To28 Jan 2025
- Markup By30 Jul 2025
- Discharged From19 Sept 2025

Cosponsor momentum

Cumulative over time

Amendments

SAMDT 3912Agreed
In the nature of a substitute.
19 septembre 2025

Track Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act as it moves through Congress