Victor Valley Times

Rep. Jay Obernolte's Cost-Share Accountability Act has passed the House of Representatives, receiving unanimous support with a bipartisan vote of 405-0. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Department of Energy (DOE).

The new bill mandates that the DOE submit public quarterly reports concerning its decisions to reduce or waive statutory cost-sharing requirements in the awarding of grant funding. This requirement seeks to ensure that the government's obligation to responsibly manage taxpayer money is met.

Rep. Jay Obernolte emphasized the importance of the act, stating, "The federal government has a responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. The Cost-Share Accountability Act ensures greater transparency in how the Department of Energy administers grant cost-sharing requirements, helping Congress and the public hold our institutions accountable. I’m proud to see this commonsense, bipartisan measure pass the House."

Adding to the dialogue, Rep. Foster highlighted the legislative intent, saying, "For Congress to fulfill our oversight responsibilities, we must be able to access information on how our departments and agencies are operating. Cost-sharing requirements help protect the use of federal funds at the Department of Energy." Foster further noted the critical nature of Congress understanding "how cost-sharing is implemented" to support the DOE's research projects.

The act not only aims to hold the DOE more accountable but also ensures greater transparency and fairness in its awards process, reflecting an effort to improve the management of federal funds.