Put America on Commission Act of 2026
Summary
The "Put America on Commission Act of 2026" aims to amend the Small Business Act by establishing an Office of Whistleblower Awards within the Small Business Administration (SBA). This office would focus on receiving and processing information from whistleblowers regarding financial misconduct or fraudulent misrepresentation related to COVID-19 loans. The bill outlines procedures for awarding whistleblowers based on the information they provide, funded through a dedicated Whistleblower Award Fund.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase oversight and accountability in the distribution and use of COVID-19 loans by small businesses. It incentivizes individuals to report financial misconduct, potentially leading to the recovery of misused funds. The establishment of the Office of Whistleblower Awards formalizes and centralizes the process for handling whistleblower claims related to SBA financial assistance.
Potential Benefits
- Increased detection of fraud and financial misconduct related to COVID-19 loans.
- Potential recovery of misused funds through convictions, settlements, or plea agreements.
- Incentivizes whistleblowers to come forward with information.
- Formalizes and centralizes the whistleblower claim process within the SBA.
- Enhanced transparency and accountability in the SBA's financial assistance programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for false or malicious claims, requiring resources for investigation.
- Administrative costs associated with establishing and operating the Office of Whistleblower Awards.
- Possible delays in processing legitimate loan applications due to increased scrutiny.
- Risk of chilling legitimate business activity due to fear of whistleblower claims.
- Complexity in determining the 'most substantial contribution' among multiple whistleblowers.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare (Preamble) by ensuring proper use of government funds. The establishment of an office and the procedures for handling whistleblower claims fall under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).