This week, the President issued an executive order directing federal departments and agencies to expand efforts to find and recapture improper payments.  The President stated that “reclaiming funds associated with improper payments is a critical component of proper stewardship and protection of taxpayer dollars.”  The executive order expands the use of Payment Recapture Audits (recovery audits) to identify and reclaim funds associated with improper payments.  This process involves highly skilled accounting specialists and examiners using the latest tools and technology to scrutinize payments records.  The Office of Management and Budget, within the next 90 days, will issue guidance for agencies to implement the requirements of the executive order.  In an accompanying press release and fact sheet, the White House also indicated the President’s support for bipartisan legislation being considered to address improper payments.