# What the SIGMMA Act Does

This bill creates a new federal watchdog position called the Special Inspector General for Major Metropolitan Areas. Think of it as a dedicated auditor and investigator whose job is to track how big cities spend federal money and make sure it's being used properly and legally.

The inspector general would specifically oversee federal funds sent to cities with more than one million people. The bill focuses on three major funding programs: pandemic relief money (the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund), emergency rental assistance, and the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The inspector general would have the power to audit how cities spend this money, investigate potential fraud or waste, and issue subpoenas to get information. If they find evidence of illegal activity, they can refer cases to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

Every three months, this inspector general would publish detailed reports showing where the money went—including information about major contracts, grants, and agreements the cities entered into. These reports would be made public so taxpayers can see how their federal dollars are being spent. The inspector general would work under the Department of Housing and Urban Development but would have independence to conduct investigations without interference. The position would be funded with $20 million and would automatically shut down five years after the law takes effect.

Essentially, this bill creates a new layer of federal oversight specifically focused on making sure large cities account for and properly use federal pandemic relief money and other federal funds they receive.

SIGMMA Act

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

SIGMMA Act This bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General (SIG) for Major Metropolitan Areas. Specifically, the SIG must <ul> <li>conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations of the treatment, handling, and expenditure of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for use by major cities; and </li> <li>establish, maintain, and oversee such systems, procedures, and controls as the SIG considers appropriate to discharge its duties.</li> </ul> Whenever information or assistance requested by the SIG is unreasonably refused or not provided, the SIG shall report the circumstances to the Department of Justice and to the appropriate congressional committees without delay. The SIG shall report on a quarterly basis to such committees and to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.