Ways and Means subcommittee to tackle data matching

In a statement, Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.), the subcommittee’s chairman, noted that both public and private programs have been able to effectively and efficiently use data in a variety of manners.

“We will ask public- and private-sector experts how the use of such systems can be improved and expanded to provide even better services for benefit applicants and recipients and at a lower cost to taxpayers,” Davis said. 

Certain federal programs — such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and initiatives dealing with unemployment insurance and child support — already employ data matching, the Ways and Means release said. 

But others rely on information supplied by program users, which the release asserted can be a drain on taxpayer dollars and lead to decreased public confidence in how public benefits are being administered.