Farm Programs: Finality Rule Should Be Eliminated
RCED-97-46
Published: Mar 07, 1997. Publicly Released: Mar 07, 1997.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the impact of the congressionally mandated finality rule, focusing on the: (1) number and dollar amount of overpayments not repaid by farmers under the rule since its inception in November 1990 and the characteristics of individual overpayments; and (2) actions the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has taken to reduce the number of finality-rule cases and associated dollar amounts.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | To reduce the overpayments by the federal government associated with the finality rule, the Secretary of Agriculture should submit a legislative proposal to Congress to eliminate the finality rule. |
In June 1997, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry introduced a legislative proposal to eliminate the finality rule. The legislative proposal still has to clear the conference committee in September 1997 and be signed by the President before becoming law. If that happens, GAO will prepare an accomplishment report.
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Topics
Agricultural programsDisaster relief aidFarm income stabilization programsInsuranceOverpaymentsProposed legislationRefunds to governmentWaiversFarmingDisaster assistance