[Comments on H.R. 4783]

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on H.R. 4783, which amended the Antikickback Act. GAO found that the bill: (1) maintains without change a provision authorizing GAO to inspect contractor plants, conduct audits, and investigate violations of the act, and extends the same authority to other federal agencies; (2) acknowledges the role of agency inspectors general in the detection and prevention of violations of the act; (3) maintains the GAO audit authority to inspect the records of prime contractors or subcontractor under a prime contract; and (4) would not prevent kickback schemes involving benefits to entities related to the prime contractor or higher tier subcontractor. GAO believes that the bill will result in an increased paperwork burden for individuals, companies, and government agencies.