S. 269 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-77
Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
2 sections in the law, all of them in the bill as introduced.
Signed February 10, 2026 · Introduced January 28, 2025 in the Senate
Sponsor: Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) · 5 cosponsors (3 D, 2 R)
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Official title
To improve coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system.
Official summary (Congressional Research Service) · as public law
This act permanently allows the Department of the Treasury to access certain death records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help prevent and recover improper payments (e.g., payments to deceased individuals). The act also establishes evidentiary requirements the SSA must meet before identifying an individual as deceased.
Current law requires the SSA to share its Death Master File with the Do Not Pay system maintained by Treasury for three years. The act makes this requirement permanent. Treasury must enter into an agreement with the SSA related to Treasury's share of the cost of state death data.
The act also prohibits the SSA from recording a death in the master file unless the SSA has clear and convincing evidence that the individual should be presumed deceased. If an individual is incorrectly identified as deceased and provides the SSA with supporting documentation, the SSA may notify certain agencies that have access to the master file, including Treasury and federal or state agencies that provide or disburse federally funded benefits.
How it became law
- IntroducedJan 28
- CommitteeJul 30
- HouseJan 12
- SenateSep 19
- SignedFeb 10
As introduced: To improve coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system.
Key steps, cosponsors and text changes (16)
Sponsor
Original cosponsors
SenateIntroduced in Senate
- Text: Introduced in Senate
2 sections
Cosponsor joined
Cosponsor joined
Cosponsors joined
SenateCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
SenatePassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6798)
SenateSenate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6798)
- Text: Engrossed in Senate
2 sections: 1 reworded
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
HousePresented to President.
- Text: Enrolled Bill
2 sections, no changes
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
Signed by President.
Show every recorded step (21)
Sponsor
Original cosponsors
SenateRead twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
SenateIntroduced in Senate
- Text: Introduced in Senate
2 sections
Cosponsor joined
Cosponsor joined
Cosponsors joined
SenateCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
SenatePassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6798)
SenateSenate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6798)
- Text: Engrossed in Senate
2 sections: 1 reworded
HouseReceived in the House.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 269.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H634-637)
HouseMr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
HousePresented to President.
- Text: Enrolled Bill
2 sections, no changes
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
Signed by President.
Source: GovInfo bill status and text versions. 5 cosponsors.
Every section
All 2 sections, in order
From the enrolled bill text on GovInfo. Read any section in full on Congress.gov.
- Sec. 1Short title
- Sec. 2Improving coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system
Sponsor and cosponsors
Show all 6 members, by last name
Sponsor: Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)
- Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)
- Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
- Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL)
- Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)
- Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)
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Sources: bill text and status, GovInfo (Enrolled Bill) · Official summary, Congressional Research Service · Congress.gov, as of November 1, 2026. US government works are in the public domain · This bill on Congress.gov (opens in new tab)