I have introduced with Senator Coburn, a truth in settlements bill that would require that whenever settlements are done...

If that is the case, we are always going to be behind on Medicare fraud.

I am just very concerned, Mr. Chairman, that Medicare fraud has become a game of catch-me-if-you-can.

Yes, but it is a corporation we are talking about here and the corporation that should be held responsible.

A report from the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service recommended that the Post Office partner with banks and credit unions to provide basic financial services.

I think this is a very viable alternative that should definitely be pursued.

Banks are systematically closing their branches in areas where the median income is under $50,000 at the same moment that they are opening more branches in areas where the median income is over $100,000.

The question I am trying to ask is about whether or not we really have enough punishment associated with violating the law to act as an effective deterrent.

there is no reason that those who are negotiating the settlements cannot adopt that level of transparency on their own...

I introduced Truth in Settlements with Senator Coburn to require agencies to publicly disclose the details of settlements, like how they are calculated and whether they are tax deductible.

I very much hope that you will write us about what you think are the right data to collect

The program is called a grant, but it comes with a catch. Recipients have to teach in high-need schools for at least 4 years in order not to have to pay it back.