Rep. Monica De La Cruz Advocates for Annual HUD Inspector General Testimony

The HUD Transparency Act

• 🎯 The HUD Transparency Act of 2025 (HR225) aims to increase transparency and combat fraud, waste, and abuse at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• 🏛️ This bill mandates that the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) testify annually before Congress.
• ✅ The legislation previously passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and by voice vote on the House floor.

Addressing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

• ⚠️ Rep. De La Cruz expressed concern that 35 high-priority items identified by the HUD OIG in 2025 were still open at the end of 2024.
• 🔍 The lack of annual testimony from the OIG, with the last appearance being in 2023, was deemed unacceptable.
• 💡 The acting HUD IG confirmed that annual testimony would help further support efforts to stop waste and abuse and provide the OIG with necessary tools.

Whistleblower Protections

• 📣 Another legislative focus is the Ensuring Access to Whistleblower Protections Act.
• 🛡️ This act aims to provide whistleblower protections for employees of HUD contractors, particularly for contracts predating 2013.
• 📈 Whistleblowers are identified as critically important for uncovering fraud, waste, and abuse, as they possess direct knowledge and access to vital information.
• 🚫 The absence of protection against retaliation creates a significant chilling effect, hindering the disclosure of crucial information.