Castro Introduces Bill to ‘Root Out Fraud’

Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) recently co-introduced the Enhancing Development Finance Corporation Oversight Act 2024. The bipartisan legislation would grant law enforcement authority to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to improve U.S. foreign aid programs’ oversight and accountability.

“Across the federal government, strong Inspectors General play an essential role in rooting out fraud and maintaining trust in government programs. As U.S. global development projects continue to expand, Congress needs to ensure that DFC’s OIG has the tools to maintain the highest level of integrity in DFC’s operations,” said Rep. Castro.

“This bipartisan bill will help the United States set a strong example of good governance at home and abroad, and I am thankful to Congressman Fitzpatrick for his partnership on this much-needed bipartisan reform,” continued Castro.

The Texas politician co-sponsored the bipartisan bill with Pennsylvania congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R).

“The International Development Finance Corporation Office of Inspector General (DFC OIG) must be given law enforcement authority in order to properly provide oversight of its programs,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Castro that would improve oversight and accountability of U.S. foreign aid programs by granting the DFC OIG further authority to reduce unnecessary misuse of resources.”

"I applaud Congressman Joaquin Castro and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for re-introducing the Enhancing Development Finance Corporation Oversight Act, which will provide the DFC’s Office of Inspector General with the needed law enforcement authorities to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse,” said former Congressman Ted Yoho, lead author of the BUILD Act.

“As a strong proponent of the DFC, I believe it is critical that the agency's IG have the full suite of tools to properly conduct oversight of the agency's operations.  I commend Reps. Castro and Fitzpatrick for their leadership on this important issue, and I urge Congress to enact this legislation," concluded Yoho.

Castro’s legislation was not only appreciated by politicians but also by businessmen.

“This bipartisan measure gives the DFC’s Office of Inspector General the same authority other federal OIG’s have to ensure strong oversight and accountability of agency projects,” said Rob Mosbacher, Jr., member of the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network who previously served as President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). “I commend Congressman Castro and Fitzpatrick for their leadership.”

Castro has been busily involved in Texas politics. The Texas lawmaker recently ripped Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) “failed” push for school vouchers over the last few years.

“Because @GovAbbott and Texas Republicans put all their energy into their failed school voucher push, Texas schools are about to lose more than $300 million in special education funding. Our most vulnerable kids are at risk because Abbott puts political stunts over people,” said Castro.