A congressman from the Sunshine State has an idea on how to save taxpayers money by having the federal government check on the eligibility for benefits of Americans who are 105 or older.
Last week, freshman Greg Steube brought out the “Valid Benefits Act” which will “require heads of federal agencies and departments to verify eligibility for federal benefits for individuals 105 years of age or older.”
Steube showcased the bill on Wednesday and explained why he had championed the proposal, insisting it could lead to major savings.
“It’s estimated that in 2018 alone, dead people received $1 billion in benefits from Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security payments, and federal pensions,” Steube said. “This bill simply directs federal departments and agencies to verify the eligibility of those seeking benefits who have reached the age of 105.
“With this bill, heads of federal agencies and departments will be required to verify that those they are giving benefits to are in fact alive,” he added. As our national debt rages, it’s important that we do what we can to ensure our tax dollars are being spent in the way they were intended. Guaranteeing the rightful recipient of benefits receives benefits is just one way we can address this problem.”
Steube will have the chance to continue to advocate for the bill as it was sent to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee on which he sits. Still, he might have some challenges in getting the bill across the finish line. So far, Steube has not been able to reel in any cosponsors. Nor is there a companion bill over in the U.S. Senate.
While he is only 41, Steube is a veteran of Florida politics. In 2010, he was elected to the Florida House where he served three terms before being elected to the state Senate in 2016. Last year, Steube won the congressional seat that had been held by retiring U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla.
