U.S. House of Representatives

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Jason Chaffetz (UT-3), Chairman

Restoring the Power of the Purse:

Shining Light on Federal Agencies Billion Dollar Fines 

Collections

Majority Staff Report

114th Congress

November 30, 2016
Page 2 of 34

Table of Contents

Executive Summary...............................................................................................................................4

Findings..................................................................................................................................................6

Background............................................................................................................................................8

Agency Compliance with the Miscellaneous Receipts Act .................................................................10

Agency Responsiveness and Accounting ............................................................................................11

Agencies That Retain Funds................................................................................................................12

I. Department of Justice ...............................................................................................................12

1. Crime Victims Fund: ............................................................................................................12

2. Three Percent Fund:..............................................................................................................12

3. Asset Forfeiture Fund: ..........................................................................................................13

II. Securities and Exchange Commission......................................................................................14

1. Federal Account for Investor Restitution Funds:..................................................................14

2. Investor Protection Fund: .....................................................................................................14

3. Violations of Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board:.......................................................14

III. Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection............................................................................15

1. Civil Penalty Fund:...............................................................................................................15

2. Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act Fund: ..................................................................15

IV. Commodities Futures Trading Commission.........................................................................16

1. Consumer Protection Fund: ..................................................................................................16

V. Department of Labor ................................................................................................................17

1. Wage and Hour Division: .....................................................................................................17

2. Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’ Black Lung Disability Trust Fund:..............17

3. Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’ Longshore Special Fund:.............................18

VI. Department of the Interior ....................................................................................................18

1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: ............................................................................................18

2. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement: ...................................................19

3. Central Hazardous Waste Fund: ...........................................................................................19

VII. Department of Transportation...............................................................................................19

1. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation:............................................................20

2. Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund: ...................................................................20

VIII. Department of Health and Human Services .........................................................................21

1. Office for Civil Rights:.........................................................................................................21
Page 3 of 34

2. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:......................................................................21

3. Office of Inspector General: .................................................................................................22

IX. Department of Housing and Urban Development ................................................................22

X. Department of Agriculture....................................................................................................23

1. Commodity Credit Corporation:...........................................................................................24

2. Agricultural Marketing Service:...........................................................................................24

3. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:.......................................................................24

XI. Department of Commerce.....................................................................................................25

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:............................................................25

2. Bureau of Industry and Security:..........................................................................................25

XII. Department of Defense .........................................................................................................26

XIII. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.................................................................................26

XIV. Small Business Administration.............................................................................................27

XV. Department of Homeland Security .......................................................................................27

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency:...........................................................................27

2. The United States Coast Guard: ...........................................................................................28

XVI. Social Security Administration.............................................................................................28

Agencies Retention or Redistribution of Fines for Special Funds.......................................................29

I. Environmental Protection Agency............................................................................................29

1. Superfund Trust Fund:..........................................................................................................29

2. Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund: ..............................................................................................29

3. Asbestos Trust Fund: ............................................................................................................30

II. Federal Reserve Board .............................................................................................................30

1. Payments to the National Flood Mitigation Fund: ...............................................................30

2. Payments to Federal Agencies and Borrower Assistance under National Mortgage 

Settlement and Approved Consumer Groups:..............................................................................30

III. Department of Veterans Affairs............................................................................................31

IV. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ................................................................................31

V. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission..................................................................................32

VI. Federal Housing Finance Agency.........................................................................................32

Agencies Whose Funds Flow Directly to Treasury .............................................................................32

Conclusion and Recommendations......................................................................................................34
Page 4 of 34

Executive Summary

The U.S. Government takes in billions of dollars per year through the assessment of fines 

and penalties, collecting over $83 billion between 2010 and 2015.1 Earlier this year the United 

States Department of Justice (DOJ) agreed to a settlement with Goldman Sachs for $5.06 billion 

related to the sale of mortgage-backed securities,

2

following similar arrangements with Morgan 

Stanley ($2.6 billion),3 Citigroup ($7 billion),

4

JP Morgan Chase ($13 billion),

5

and Bank of 

America ($16.65 billion).

6

 

While the DOJ handles the bulk of enforcement activities, several other less well-known 

enforcement agencies are assessing substantial fines and penalties and negotiating settlements 

through administrative proceedings. In just the past year alone there has been a $158 million 

settlement between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with Verizon and Sprint for 

billing customers for unauthorized third-party premium text messaging;7a $100 million 

settlement between LifeLock and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for failing to protect 

consumers’ sensitive personal information;

8

and a $1.6 million fine imposed by the Department 

of Transportation (DOT) on Southwest Airlines for tarmac delays.9

In pursuing these collections, the Administration serves as the judge, jury, and regulator. 

The DOJ routinely enters into multi-million and billion-dollar settlements on agencies’ behalf for 

a variety of legal, regulatory, and administrative violations, which include civil monetary

 

1 According to data provided to the Committee by queried agencies.

2

Press Release, DOJ, Goldman Sachs Agrees to Pay More than $5 Billion in Connection with Its Sale of Residential 

Mortgage Backed Securities (Apr. 11, 2016), available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/goldman-sachs-agreespay-more-5-billion-connection-its-sale-residential-mortgage-backed.

3

Press Release, DOJ, Morgan Stanley Agrees to Pay $2.6 Billion Penalty in Connection with Its Sale of Residential 

Mortgage Backed Securities (Feb. 11, 2016), available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/morgan-stanley-agreespay-26-billion-penalty-connection-its-sale-residential-mortgage-backed. 

4

Press Release, DOJ, Justice Department, Federal and State Partners Secure Record $7 Billion Global Settlement 

with Citigroup for Misleading Investors about Securities Containing Toxic Mortgages (July 14, 2014), available at 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-federal-and-state-partners-secure-record-7-billion-globalsettlement. 

5

Press Release, DOJ, Justice Department, Federal and State Partners Secure Record $13 Billion Global Settlement 

with JPMorgan for Misleading Investors about Securities Containing Toxic Mortgages (Nov. 19, 2013), available at 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-federal-and-state-partners-secure-record-13-billion-globalsettlement. 

6

Press Release, DOJ, Bank of America to Pay $16.65 Billion in Historic Justice Department Settlement for 

Financial Fraud Leading up to and During the Financial Crisis (Aug. 21, 2014), available at 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/bank-america-pay-1665-billion-historic-justice-department-settlement-financialfraud-leading. 

7

Press Release, FCC, Verizon & Sprint to Pay $158 million to Settle Mobile Cramming Investigations (May 12, 

2015), available at https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333427A1.pdf. 

8

Press Release, FTC, LifeLock to Pay $100 Million to Consumers to Settle FTC Charges it Violated 2010 Order 

(Dec. 17, 2015), available at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2015/12/lifelock-pay-100-millionconsumers-settle-ftc-charges-it-violated. 

9

Press Release, DOT, U.S. Department of Transportation Fines Southwest $1.6 Million for Violating Tarmac Delay 

Rule (Jan. 15, 2015) (noting additional fines of $1.1 million and $900,000 for other tarmac delays), available at

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-fines-southwest-16-million-violatingtarmac-delay-rule. 
Page 5 of 34

penalties, consumer relief and restitution, and relief to states and other enforcement authorities.10 

What is less understood, however, is what happens after the Government obtains the money. 

In 2015, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report examining 

the DOJ’s use of fines and penalties.

11 The report found that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 

approximately 15 percent of DOJ’s budget came from seven alternative sources of funding such 

as fines, fees, and penalties.

12 Further, some of this funding is not necessarily reviewed as part 

of the appropriations process, and as a result, “may not be subject to the same scrutiny” as other 

programs.13 GAO found the DOJ could improve management and transparency of these 

sources.

14

 

In light of GAO’s findings and increasingly voluminous settlements entered into on the 

Government’s behalf, the Committee examined the amount, use, and accountability of such 

funds taken in by the U.S. Government. Between March and June of 2015, the Committee sent 

requests to 34 federal agencies,

15 including all cabinet level agencies, seeking information 

regarding their assessment and collection of fines and penalties. Committee staff worked with 

each agency to evaluate amounts collected and how the fines are accounted. Agencies generally 

reported three streams. First, agencies reported sending the vast bulk of these funds to the 

General Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury in accordance with federal law where the 

funds are subject to Congress’s general appropriations power. Second, agencies reported 

retaining funds pursuant to specific exemptions or exclusions under law. Third, agencies 

reported re-routing funds collected to other agencies pursuant to specific statutory authorities.

 

10 Press Release, DOJ, Justice Department Collects More Than $23 Billion in Civil and Criminal Cases in Fiscal 

Year 2015 (Dec. 3, 2015), available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-collects-more-23-billioncivil-and-criminal-cases-fiscal-year-2015 (providing details on various settlements, fines, and penalties collected 

and/or retained by DOJ during FY 2015).

11 GAO, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING ARE A KEY SOURCE OF BUDGETARY 

RESOURCES AND COULD BE BETTER MANAGED 1 (2015) (GAO-15-48), available at

http://gao.gov/assets/670/668928.pdf. 

12 Id. 

13

 Id. at 2.

14 Id. at 16 and 23. 

15 These agencies are: the United States Coast Guard; Commodities Futures Trading Commission; Consumer 

Financial Protection Bureau; Consumer Product Safety Commission; Department of Agriculture; Department of 

Commerce; Department of Defense; Department of Education; Department of Energy; Department of Health and 

Human Services; Department of Homeland Security; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Department 

of the Interior; Department of Justice; Department of Labor; Department of State; Department of Transportation; 

Department of the Treasury; Department of Veterans Affairs; Environmental Protection Agency; Federal 

Communications Commission; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; 

Federal Housing Financing Agency; Federal Maritime Commission; Federal Reserve System; Federal Trade 

Commission; National Transportation Safety Board; Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Pension Benefit Guaranty 

Corporation; Securities Exchange Commission; Small Business Administration; Social Security Administration; and 

U.S. Agency for International Development.
Page 6 of 34

Findings

 Between 2010 and 2015, agencies report collecting over $83 billion in civil, criminal, and 

regulatory fines and penalties.16

 During the same time, agencies report retaining or depositing into specified funds over 

$31 billion from civil, criminal, and regulatory fines and penalties.17

 Agencies do not use a standardized method of accounting for those funds collected and 

retained.

 12 of the 34 agencies send collected funds directly to the U.S. Treasury. 22 agencies

reported retention or transfer of collections to a special fund created through an explicit 

statutory carve out.18 

 The following agencies reported collecting over one billion dollars between 2010-2015:

 The following represents the total collections between 2010-2015 reported to the 

Committee:

 

16 Each agency has a slightly different mechanism for retaining and reporting the information. Given this, the 

denoted number is based on agency reports and it generally includes FY2010 through FY2014; however, some 

agencies provided information for part of FY2015. Some agencies provided both civil and criminal penalties 

whereas others only provided civil. Given this, all data provided is based on the information provided to Committee

staff through briefings or the official responses to the Committee Chairman

17 Id.

18 The United States Coast Guard (USCG) was sent a separate letter and asked to respond separately; however, as it 

operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for purposes of this report it is included as a subset of 

DHS within the body of the report but noted as a separate agency with the calculation of the total agencies.

19 Treasury as of Nov. 21, 2016, had not provided the Committee with answers regarding the total amount collected. 

However based on an incomplete response received on Sept. 2, 2016, which contained amounts for two bureaus; 

Treasury through the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control 

(OFAC) collected at least $2,830,593,425. See Email Attachment OFAC Response from Staff, Treasury, to Staff, 

H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 2, 2016, 15:53 EST) (on file with the Committee); see also Email 

Attachment OCC Fines and Penalties from Staff, Treasury, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 

2, 2016, 15:53 EST) (on file with the Committee).

The Billion Dollar Club

Department of Justice $63.71 Billion

Commodities Futures Trading 

Commission

$4.46 Billion

Federal Reserve Bank $3.74 Billion

Securities and Exchange Commission $3.21 Billion

Department of the Treasury $2.83 Billion19

Department of Labor $1.35 Billion

Department of Homeland Security $1.26 Billion
Page 7 of 34

 

20 All amounts noted where rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

21 Treasury as of Nov. 21, 2016, had not provided the Committee with answers regarding the total amount collected. 

However based on an incomplete response received on Sept. 2, 2016, which contained amounts for two bureaus; 

Treasury through the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control 

(OFAC) collected at least $2,830,593,425. See Email Attachment OFAC Response from Staff, Treasury, to Staff, 

H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 2, 2016, 15:53 EST) (on file with the Committee); see also Email 

Attachment OCC Fines and Penalties from Staff, Treasury, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 

2, 2016, 15:53 EST) (on file with the Committee).

22 USCG was issued a separate letter; but given that USCG is a part of DHS, DHS therefore reported USCG fines 

and penalties in its response and total amount as well. For clarity, the total number collected is shown here and is 

encompassed within DHS’ reported numbers. The actual calculation of the total amount of funds retained subtracts 

USCG total from DHS’ which is what the Committee did in calculating the actual total of funds collected.

Department / Independent Agencies Total collected20

Department of Justice (DOJ) $63,709,312,360

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) $4,466,733,521

Federal Reserve Board (FRB) $3,739,783,660

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) $3,214,941,240

Department of the Treasury (Treasury) $2,830,593,42521

Department of Labor (DOL) $1,346,163,431

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) $1,258,471,275

United States Coast Guard (USCG)22 $809,619,865

Department of Transportation (DOT) $638,594,712

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) $607,666,247

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) $485,486,154

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) $221,758,000

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) $179,253,000

Department of Defense (DOD) $177,480,000

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) $159,022,002

Department of State (State) $157,171,567

Department of Commerce (Commerce) $131,776,148

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) $96,754,228

Department of Interior (Interior) $79,380,815

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) $65,029,369

Social Security Administration (SSA) $61,550,000

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) $47,472,954

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) $38,961,500

Department of Energy (DOE) $25,633,028

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) $22,539,750

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) $16,766,425

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) $10,937,250

Department of Education (ED) $4,864,387

Small Business Administration (SBA) $2,591,000

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) $1,558,036

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) $1,118,375

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) $1,800 

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) $0 

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) $0 
Page 8 of 34

Background

Article I of the United States Constitution provides Congress with the “power of the 

purse,”23 and the authority “to tax and spend public money for the national government.”24 

Under this authority, Congress – rather than the executive branch – is meant to direct agency 

spending. In certain instances, Congress has provided in statutes limited and delegated authority 

to agencies in order to assess, collect, and in some instances retain fines and penalties.

In recent years, a trend has 

emerged whereby regulatory agencies 

with these specific authorities are 

circumventing Congressional 

appropriations authority and instead are 

utilizing settlements from the fines and 

penalties authority to fund their own 

operations.25 This chart included from 

a 2015 U.S. Government

Accountability Office (GAO) report 

illustrates the concern.26

For example, a recent Wall 

Street Journal article discusses the 

Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) recent 

use of settlements for violations of 

financial laws.27 The article discusses 

the DOJ’s discretion to allow the banks 

as part of their settlement agreement to 

provide donations to an approved list of 

non-profits which is considered “double 

credit” against the penalty amount the bank owes.28 In these instances, the executive branch is 

acting as the judge, jury, and regulator; determining what fines and penalties to assess, how 

much the penalty is worth, and then how to distribute the funds. 

 

23 U.S. CONST. art. I, § 7, cl. 1 (granting the U.S. House of Representatives power to originate revenue raising bills) 

and U.S. CONST. art. I, § 9, cl. 7 (providing for appropriations and public accounting of receipts and expenditures). 

See e.g. U.S. House of Representatives, Origins & Development: From Constitution to Modern House, Power of the 

Purse, available at http://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Power-of-the-Purse/ (last visited Nov. 

21, 2016).

24 U.S. House of Representatives, Origins & Development: From Constitution to Modern House, Power of the Purse, 

available at http://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Power-of-the-Purse/ (last visited Nov. 21, 

2016).

25 CHRISTOPHER DEMUTH SR. & MICHAEL S. GREVE, DISCUSSION DRAFT: AGENCY FINANCE IN THE AGE OF 

EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT 3 (Mar. 2016), available at http://administrativestate.gmu.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2016/03/DeMuth-Greve-For-Profit-Govt-final.pdf. 

26 GAO, supra note 11, at 36.

27 Kimberly A. Strassel, Justice’s Liberal Slush Fund, WALL ST. J., Dec. 3, 2015, available at

http://www.wsj.com/articles/justices-liberal-slush-fund-1449188273 (last visited Nov. 21, 2016).

28 Id.
Page 9 of 34

In 2015, the GAO released a report examining the DOJ’s use of fines and penalties.29 

The report found that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 approximately 15 percent of DOJ’s budget came 

from seven alternative sources of funding such as fines, fees, and penalties.

30 Further, some of 

this funding is not necessarily reviewed as part of the appropriations process, and as a result, 

“may not be subject to the same scrutiny” as other programs.31 GAO found the DOJ could 

improve management and transparency of these sources.32 

The DOJ’s use of funds collected as fines and penalties has drawn interest from other 

Congressional Committees as well.33 The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on 

Judiciary as well as the House Committee on Financial Services conducted investigations which 

found the DOJ utilized mandatory donations from settlements to direct potentially $880 million 

dollars to specific groups.34 Within the U.S. Senate concerns regarding the use of settlement 

funds led to the passage of S. 1109, Truth in Settlements Act of 2015, on September 21, 2015.35 

This legislation “requires federal agencies to make public non-confidential information about 

settlement agreements to ensure transparency in settlement agreements entered into by the 

federal government.”36 On June 9, 2016, this bill was reported out of the Committee on 

Oversight and Government Reform.37

While the DOJ handles the bulk of enforcement activities, several other less well-known 

enforcement agencies are assessing substantial fines and penalties and negotiating settlements 

through administrative proceedings. In just the past year alone there has been a $158 million 

settlement between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with Verizon and Sprint for 

billing customers for unauthorized third-party premium text messaging;38 a $100 million 

settlement between LifeLock and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for failing to protect 

consumers sensitive personal information;39 and a $1.6 million fine imposed by the Department 

of Transportation (DOT) on Southwest Airlines for tarmac delays.40 

 

29 GAO, supra note 11, at 1. 

30 Id. 

31

 Id. at 2.

32 Id. at 16 and 23. 

33

 Settling the Question: Did Bank Settlement Agreements Subvert Congressional Appropriations Powers?: Hearing 

Before the Subcomm. on Oversight and Investigations of the H. Comm. on Financial Services, 114th Cong. (May 19, 

2016) (examining whether DOJ overstepped its legal authority in crafting mortgage settlements); H.R. 5063, the 

“Stop Settlements Slush Funds Act of 2016:” Hearing Before the Subcomm. on Regulatory Reforms, Commercial 

and Antitrust Law, of the H. Comm. on the Judiciary, 114th Cong. (Apr. 28, 2016) (discussing potential legislation 

to reduce DOJ’s settlement discretion); Consumers Shortchanged? Oversight of the Justice Department’s Mortgage 

Lending Settlements: Hearing Before the Subcomm. on Regulatory Reforms, Commercial and Antitrust Law, of the 

H. Comm. on the Judiciary, 114th Cong. (Feb. 12, 2015) (examining DOJ’s disbursement of fines obtained in 

settlements with financial institutions related to mortgage lending).

34 Hearing Announcement H.R. 5063, the “Stop Settlements Slush Funds Act of 2016” Hearing Before the 

Subcomm. on Regulatory Reforms, Commercial and Antitrust Law, of the H. Comm. on the Judiciary, 114th Cong. 

(Apr. 28, 2016), available at https://judiciary.house.gov/hearing/h-r-___-stop-settlement-slush-funds-act-2016/ (last 

visited Nov. 21, 2016); see also Jessica Karmasek, House Republicans Say Justice Department Handing out ‘Slush 

Funds,’ FORBES, Apr. 28, 2016, available at http://www.forbes.com/sites/legalnewsline/2016/04/28/houserepublicans-say-justice-department-handing-out-slush-funds/#214b643f5883 (last visited Nov. 21, 2016).

35 H.R. REP. NO. 114-613, at 4 (2016).

36 Id. at 2.

37 Id. at 5.

38 FCC Press Release, supra note 7. 

39 FTC Press Release, supra note 8. 

40 DOT Press Release, supra note 9. 
Page 10 of 34

Agency Compliance with the Miscellaneous Receipts Act41

The imposition of fines and settlements which appear to operate outside Congressional 

oversight led the Committee to conduct this review. Congress mandated the collection of monies 

by the Government be controlled by the Miscellaneous Receipts Act. The statute is clear42 and 

provides in relevant part, “an official or agent of the Government receiving money for the 

Government from any source shall deposit the money in the Treasury as soon as practicable 

without deduction for any charge or claim.”43 The Miscellaneous Receipts Act contains a carveout, and the statute does not apply when another law provides a different destination for collected 

funds.44 

Failure to comply with the Miscellaneous Receipts Act can subject the violator to 

removal from office or becoming personally liable for the funds.45 However, there are 

exceptions to this general rule which include refunds, explicit statutory exceptions, and payments 

that are not for the Government.46 In these instances, exempted funds are deposited into another 

account as permitted or directed under law. Agencies reported compliance and do not use fines 

and penalties to fund their operations unless expressly authorized. 

The Committee reviewed agencies’ compliance with the Miscellaneous Receipts Act to 

ensure any funds collected were, in fact, sent for deposit into the General Fund of the Treasury or 

were instead properly deposited into another statutorily exempted account. 

 

 

41 31 U.S.C. § 3302(b).

42 See, e.g., Office of General Counsel, U.S. Gen. Acct’g Office, Principles of Federal Appropriations Law at 6-167 

(3d ed. 2004) (citing 10 Comp. Gen. 382, 384 (1931) (“It is difficult to see... how a legislative prohibition could be 

more clearly expressed.”).

43 31 U.S.C. § 3302(b).

44 Id. § 3302(a).

45 Id. § 3302(d); see also OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL, GAO, PRINCIPLES OF FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS LAW 6-

166 (3d ed. 2004) [citing 20 Op. Att’y Gen. 24 (1891) (liability would attach where funds, which disbursing agent 

had placed in bank which was not an authorized depositary, were lost due to bank failure)], available at 

http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/d06382sp.pdf. 

46 David H. Carpenter, Memorandum, Legal Principles Associated with Monetary Relief Provided as Part of 

Financial-Related Legal Settlements & Enforcement Actions, 4-6, Congressional Research Serv. (Feb. 9, 2015).
Page 11 of 34

Agency Responsiveness and Accounting

Based on the varying agency responses, agencies do not utilize a standard accounting for 

fines and penalties – regardless of if those funds are retained, transferred, or remitted. A

complete response by an agency ultimately took many forms despite agencies being sent 

identical letters and asked to comply with the same request. In certain instances, some agencies

were unable to provide an accounting of all funds and instead provided the Committee with the 

funds retained.47 On average agencies compliance with the Committee’s request took 50 days.48 

There were outliers on both ends; such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD) which took 149 days to provide a complete response or the Consumer Product Safety 

Commission (CPSC), which took 12 days to respond. 

Despite differences in agency structures; such as larger agencies which oversee various 

components with more statutory authorities versus smaller Commissions which may have fewer

fines and penalties authority that could result in varied response time, the overarching issue did 

not seem to correlate with the amount of penalties retained or size of the agency. The Securities 

and Exchange Commission (SEC) which collects the fourth highest amount and retains the 

second highest amount took only 16 days to provide the Committee with a complete response; 

whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which collects a mere $1800 took 75 days.

Even in instances where all funds were being remitted to the Treasury’s General Fund in 

accordance with the Miscellaneous Receipts Act, the timing and quality of the response provided

ranged substantially. 

Based on the varying agency responses, the U.S. Government’s accounting system to 

monitor and track the funds collected appears inadequate. This granular data as it relates to 

agency’s accounting was especially startling when it came to the Department of the Treasury

(Treasury) who, by virtue of its Departmental mission,49 appears best positioned to produce 

detailed answers and instead sent an initial response noting although Bureaus, such as the 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS), collect fines and penalties, it did not think it fell within the 

purview of the Committee’s review.50 Treasury was informed its initial response was 

 

47 For example, Interior was only able to provide the funds retained.

48 For this the calculation date is based on when the Committee felt it had received a response which was complete 

enough to provide information in line with the request. The 50 days number is based on 33 responses because as of 

Nov. 21, 2016, Treasury still did not provide the requested information.

49 Part of the Treasury’s mission as noted in both their strategic plan and FY 2017 Congressional budget justification 

is to “manage the U.S. Government’s finances and resources effectively.” DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,

FY2014-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN 3 (2013), available at https://www.treasury.gov/about/budgetperformance/strategic-plan/Documents/2014-2017_US_TreasuryStrategicPlan.pdf; see e.g., DEPARTMENT OF THE 

TREASURY, FY 2017 CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE Summary - 1 (Feb. 2016) available at 

https://www.treasury.gov/about/budget-performance/CJ17/FY%202017%20CJ.pdf%20-

%20Combined%20FINAL.PDF.

50 Letter from Randall DeValk, Acting Asst. Sec’y for Legislative Affairs, Treasury, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, 

H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (May 15, 2015) (on file with the Committee). Treasury was informed its 

initial response did not provide a sufficient response and as of Nov. 21, 2016, has failed to provide the Committee 

with this information. Treasury on September 2, 2016, did provide figures for two of its agencies, the Office of the 

Comptroller of Currency (OCC) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The OCC reported collecting 

$2,531,593,425 between FY 2010 and FY 2015 of which $2,529,623,873 was sent to the Treasury’s general fund 

and $1,969,552 was remitted to FEMA. Email Attachment OCC Fines and Penalties from Staff, Treasury, to Staff, 

H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 2, 2016, 15:53 EST) (on file with the Committee). The OFAC 

reported assessing $3,380,795,378 in civil monetary penalties from January 1, 2010 to September 2, 2016; but 
Page 12 of 34

insufficient and Treasury as of November 21, 2016, has failed to provide the Committee with 

this information. 

Agencies That Retain Funds

The vast majority of agencies that retain collections are broken into two categories: those 

that retain funds to support their own operations and those that must provide the collections to 

special funds. Generally, it is a blending of the two as the collections must go into a certain 

account or fund within the agency itself and then the agency may use the specialized account for 

its statutorily authorized purpose.

I. Department of Justice 

The GAO’s study on the DOJ’s use of alternative sources reinforced the need for 

agencies to be held accountable for the funds being received and retained due to fines, fees, and 

penalties. In response to the Committee’s inquiry, DOJ reportedly collected $63,709,312,359.63

between FY 2010 and FY 2014, and retained $27,368,420,000.00 or nearly 43% of the total

amount.

51

 DOJ has three specialized funds into which fines and penalties flow and are retained 

by DOJ under specific statutory authorities.

52

1. Crime Victims Fund:

The Crime Victims Fund (CVF)

53 is administered by DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs 

(OJPs), Office for Victims of Crime. Funds from the CVF support grants for certain services for 

crime victims, including victim assistance personnel in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices as well as OJP management and administration needs.

54

 

In accordance with statutory authorities, DOJ collected and placed into the CVF 

$12,237,181,000.00 from FY 2010 through FY 2014.55

2. Three Percent Fund:

The Attorney General is authorized to deposit up to three percent of amounts collected 

pursuant to DOJ’s civil debt collection litigation activities into the Three Percent Fund.56 The 

 

disposing all but $332,029,072 and of that had collected at least $299,000,000. Email Attachment OFAC Response 

from Staff, Treasury, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 2, 2016, 15:53 EST) (on file with the 

Committee). As these very preliminary figures, which do not include the IRS, demonstrate Treasury easily falls into 

billion dollar club even without a complete response.

51 Letter from Peter J. Kadzik, Asst. Atty. Gen., DOJ, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1 (Aug. 13, 2015) (on file with the Committee); see also Email Attachment FY 2009 through FY 2015 

Collections Chart from Staff, DOJ, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Oct. 9, 2015, 17:35 EST) (on 

file with the Committee).

52 Letter from Peter J. Kadzik, Asst. Atty. Gen., DOJ, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1 (Aug.13, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

53 Established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, as amended (Pub. L. No. 98-473), 42 U.S.C. § 10601.

54 Kadzik, supra note 51, at 1-2. 

55 Id. at 2.

56 Established by Pub. L. No. 103-121 but repealed and replaced by Pub. L. No. 107-273 § 11013(a) in 2002; see 

also Kadzik, supra note 51, at 3. 
Page 13 of 34

funds under this account may be used to support a range of activities relating to civil and 

criminal debt-collection litigation, including financial systems, personnel, administrative, and 

litigation expenses.57 The DOJ’s Collection Resources Allocation Board reviews requests from 

DOJ components supporting civil and criminal debt collection functions for funding from the 

Three Percent Fund and administers the fund.58 

In accordance with statutory authorities, DOJ collected and placed into the Three Percent 

Fund $1,065,996,000.00 from FY 2010 through FY 2014.59

3. Asset Forfeiture Fund:

The Asset Forfeiture Fund (AFF) is a “special fund within the Treasury administered by

the [DOJ] to receive the proceeds of asset forfeiture actions undertaken by the [DOJ].”60 The 

AFF receives proceeds of asset forfeiture actions, including forfeited funds, proceeds from the 

sale of forfeited property, the DOJ’s share of forfeitures carried out in conjunction with the 

Department of the Treasury, and interest earned on the investment of AFF balances in 

Government securities.61 Additionally, forfeitures resulting from other federal agencies62 are 

deposited into the AFF.63 These agencies annually apply for AFF funds to carry out federal law 

enforcement programs.64 

The AFF compensates victims harmed in cases where assets have been forfeited, but the 

AFF may also be used for finance expenses associated with the execution of asset forfeiture 

functions and certain general investigative costs.65 Through the Equitable Sharing Program, 

remaining funds may be shared with state and local law enforcement who directly participate in 

the law enforcement effort leading to the seizure and forfeiture of the property.66 A portion of 

the AFF supports joint law enforcement operations with state and local law enforcement 

agencies for overtime and equipment expenses incurred in the course of federally-led task 

forces.67 

In accordance with statutory authorities, DOJ collected and placed into the AFF 

$14,065,243,000.00 from FY 2010 through FY 2014.68

 

57 Kadzik, supra note 51, at 3.

58 Id. 

59 Id.

60 Kadzik, supra note 51, at 4. AFF was established by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 (Pub. L. No. 

98-473), 28 U.S.C. § 524(c).

61 Id.

62 Participating agencies include the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture Office of 

Inspector General, the Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and the Defense Criminal Investigative 

Service. Kadzik, supra note 51, at 5 n.11. 

63 Id. at 4. 

64 Id. at 5.

65 Id. at 4. 

66 Id. 

67 Id. at 5. 

68 Id. 
Page 14 of 34

II. Securities and Exchange Commission

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) response, “the SEC has 

statutory authority to seek monetary penalties only in enforcement actions initiated against those 

that the Commission believes have violated federal securities law.”69 The SEC reported 

collecting $3,214,941,240.00 and retaining $2,299,477,465.00 from FY 2010 through March 

2015.70 

The SEC has three funds into which fines and penalties flow which are maintained by the 

SEC for specific uses which help with their own operations.71 

1. Federal Account for Investor Restitution Funds:

Federal Account for Investor Restitution (Fair) Funds are used to compensate harmed 

investors and the distributions are governed by the Commission’s rules on Fair Fund and 

Disgorgement plans.

72

 These funds include civil penalties funded by an administrative 

proceeding or court order.73 

2. Investor Protection Fund:

The Investor Protection Fund (IPF) was established in 2010 and provides funding for 

payments to whistleblowers who meet certain criteria set out in statute and regulations.74 The

fund is “required to be used to finance the operations of the suggestion program of the SEC’s

Office of Inspector General.”

75

 The SEC has directed approximately $301 million collected in 

penalties into the fund and the SEC has made 15 awards to whistleblowers, totaling nearly $50 

million, from this fund.76

3. Violations of Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board:

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB)

77 proposes and adopts “rules for 

transactions in municipal securities by brokers, dealers, and municipal securities dealers.”78 For 

those who willfully violate the MSRB rules, the SEC may impose a penalty and those collected 

penalties are split between the SEC and the MSRB.79 The SEC’s portion, however, is either 

directed into the aforementioned IPF, distributed as Fair Funds, or remitted to the Treasury.80

 

69 Letter from Mary Jo White, Chair, SEC, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 2 

(Apr. 10, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

70 Id. at 4-5. The SEC did not specifically provide the exact amount put into each fund within their response and 

therefore this is not included in the report.

71 Id. at 3. 

72 Section 308 of Sarbanes-Oxley, 15 U.S.C. § 7246 established Fair Funds. See 17 C.F.R. § 201.110-1106.

73 White, supra note 69, at 3. 

74 Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78u-6(g); see also White, supra note 69, at 3.

75 Id. 

76 Id. at 3-4. 

77 Section 15B of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78o-4(b).

78 White, supra note 69, at 4. 

79 Id.

80 Id.
Page 15 of 34

III. Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection 

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) may assess civil money penalties 

(CMPs) under five separate authorities.81 “The CFPB Director maintains responsibility for 

authorizing all settlements that impose a CMP and for approving the initiation of all proceedings

that result in judgments where a CMP is assessed.”82 From January 1, 2010, through the end of 

FY 2014, the CFPB collected $159,022,002.00.

83 Specifically the CFPB has the authority to 

retain and use fines and penalties assessed under federal consumer financial law in two instances.

1. Civil Penalty Fund:

Under the law, the CFPB maintains and deposits civil penalties from any judicial or 

administrative action under federal consumer financial laws into the Civil Penalty Fund (CPF);

84

this means the entirety of funds collected by CFPB has been retained and deposited into this fund 

for CFPB’s use.

85

 The CFPB may use funds in the CPF “for payments to the victims of activities 

for which civil penalties have been imposed under the federal consumer financial laws or, to the 

extent that such victims cannot be located or payments to them are otherwise not practicable, for 

consumer education and financial literacy programs.”86 

In accordance with this statutory mandate, recipients of monies from the CPF include: 

(1) “victims compensated from the [CPF] in accordance with the [CPF] rule”; (2) “third-party 

contractors that administer payments and distribute funds to individual victims”; and (3) “third 

parties with whom the CFPB contracts to administer, on the CFPB’s behalf, consumer education 

and financial literacy programs that are funded by the [CPF].”87 

From January 1, 2010, through FY 2014, the CFPB allocated $31,292,375.00 to eligible 

classes of victims for the purpose of victim compensation; $1,573,322.00 for authorized 

administrative expenses; and $13,380,000.00 for consumer education and financial literacy 

programs.88

2. Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act Fund:

 

81 Letter from Richard Cordray, Dir., CFPB, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 

1-2 (Apr. 22, 2015) (on file with the Committee). The five separate authorities are: (1) the Real Estate Settlement 

Procedures Act (12 U.S.C. § 2609(d)); (2) the Secure and Fair Enforcement of Mortgage Licensing Act (12 U.S.C. § 

5113(d); (3) the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. § 1639e(k)); (4) the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (15 

U.S.C. § 1717a(a); and (5) Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) (12 U.S.C. 

§ 5565).

82 Id. 

83 Id. at 3. 

84 The CPF is authorized by Section 1017(d) of the Dodd-Frank Act, 12 U.S.C. § 5497(d), and implemented by rule 

(see 12 C.F.R. part 1075, outlining the criteria for allocating and distributing CPF monies).

85 Cordray, supra note 81, at 2. Specifically, this means if the CFPB imposes a CMP under any of its separate 

authorities those CMPs are retained and deposited into the CPF under the Section 1017(d) Dodd-Frank retention 

authority. In regards to ISLA, CFPB believes those penalties could into either the CPF or the ISLA Fund. Email 

from Staff, CFPB, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Apr. 14, 2016, 14:58 EST) (on file with 

Committee).

86 Id. 

87 Id. 

88 Id. at 3. 
Page 16 of 34

The second civil penalties fund CFPB maintains is for knowing and willful violations of 

the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSA).

89 “ILSA provides that any civil money 

penalties collected under that statute... may be used by the Bureau, upon approval in an 

appropriation Act, to cover all or part of the cost of rendering services under ILSA.”90 Through 

April 14, 2016, the CFPB has not imposed any CMPs under ILSA.

91

IV. Commodities Futures Trading Commission

The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) collects funds for violations of 

the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA).

92

 The CFTC can assess civil penalties and disgorgement, 

both of which are submitted to the United States Department of the Treasury, except as required 

to fund the CFTC’s Consumer Protection Fund.93 The CFTC is among the highest-collecting 

agencies, collecting $4,466,733,521.00 between January 1, 2010, and April 27, 2015.94

1. Consumer Protection Fund:

Congress created the Consumer Protection Fund in Section 748 of the Dodd-Frank Act,

which amended the CEA.95 The CFTC’s Consumer Protection Fund provides funds to 

whistleblowers “who voluntarily provide the Commission with original information about 

violations of the CEA that lead to the successful enforcement of a covered judicial or 

administrative action, or a related action.”96 The Consumer Protection Fund is designed to fund 

CFTC’s whistleblower office, provide consumers financial education, and pay awards to 

whistleblowers.

97

 Specifically, “money sanctions collected by the Commission in any covered 

judicial or administrative action that are not otherwise distributed to victims shall be deposited in 

the Customer Protection Fund unless the balance in the fund exceeds $100 million.”

98

 

Consumer Protection Fund “collections may be used only for the payment of awards to 

whistleblowers and the funding of customer education initiatives.”99 Currently, the fund has a 

several hundred million dollar balance, and CFTC does not expect additional funds to be added 

 

89 15 U.S.C. § 1717a(a). See Cordray, supra note 81, at 2. 

90 Cordray, supra note 81, at 2. See 15 U.S.C. § 1717a(h).

91 Email from Staff, CFPB, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Apr. 14, 2016, 14:58 EST) (on file 

with Committee).

92 7 U.S.C. §§ 1-27.

93 Letter from Timothy Massad, Chairman, CFTC, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1-2 (May 22, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

94 Id. at 3. 

95 Sec. 23(g) of the Commodity Exchange Act. See e.g., CFTC, PRESIDENT’S BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE PLAN,

FISCAL YEAR 2014 79 (2013), available at 

http://www.cftc.gov/ucm/groups/public/@newsroom/documents/file/cftcbudget2014.pdf. 

96 Id. 

97 Briefing by CFTC to H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform Staff on Fines and Penalties (Apr. 13, 2015) 

(hereinafter CFTC OGR Briefing).

98 Massad, supra note 93, at 2. As noted here the fund is only provided income when it falls below $100 million, but 

if the fund balance drops below the threshold the next matter resolved is collected and placed into the fund; 

regardless of the total amount and even if the amount then increased the fund to over $100 million. This means if 

the fund was at $95 million and the CFTC resolves a matter for $200 million, the fund’s balance would be $295 

million; see also CFTC OGR Briefing, supra note 97.

99Id.
Page 17 of 34

for several years.100 Given this, until the fund’s balance falls below $100 million (from spending 

on the items listed above), all CFTC recoveries will go to the Treasury’s General Fund.

101

V. Department of Labor 

The Department of Labor (DOL) collects fines and penalties pursuant to statutory 

authorities within the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Mine Safety and Health 

Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Wage and Hour 

Division (WHD), and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

102

 The 

Department of Labor collected $1,346,163,431.00 between January 1, 2010, through the end of 

FY 2014; all of these fines and penalties are submitted to the Treasury, except in three instances

which are discussed below.103 

1. Wage and Hour Division:

Pursuant to statutory authority, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

104 is the only 

division within the DOL that retains some funds which are “applied toward reimbursement of the 

costs of determining the violations and assessing and collecting such penalties.”105 From FY

2010 through FY 2014, under this authority DOL “collected and retained approximately 

$12,880,000 in civil penalties” for violations of the overtime and minimum wage pay 

provisions.106

2. Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’ Black Lung Disability Trust Fund:

Pursuant to statutory authority in the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’ 

(OWCP’s) Black Lung Benefits Act,

107 DOL through OWCP, may “assess civil penalties for 

violations related to the administration of statutory payments and benefits, such as: transferring 

or concealing property to avoid paying benefits; making false statements to obtain benefits; and 

deducting the cost of insurance or benefits from a miner’s wages.”108 

The Black Lung Fund “may only expend funds ‘as provided by appropriation Acts’ for 

specified purposes, such as the payment of benefits and expenses related to the administration of 

the program.”109 For FY 2010 through FY 2014, no funds were collected under this authority.110

 

100 CFTC OGR Briefing, supra note 97.

101 Id.

102 Letter from Adri Jayaratne, Acting Asst. Sec’y, Office of Congressional and InterGovernmental Affairs, U.S. 

Dep’t of Labor, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-3 (June 23, 2015) (on file 

with the Committee).

103 Id.; see also Email from Staff, DOL, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Aug. 21, 2015, 16:45 

EST) (on file with the Committee).

104 The penalties retained by DOL’s WHD are authorized in 29 U.S.C. § 216(e)(2) and 29 U.S.C. § 216(e)(5).

105 Jayaratne, supra note 102, at 3 (quoting 29 U.S.C. § 216(e)(5)).

106 Id. 

107 30 U.S.C. § 901 et seq., and 26 U.S.C. § 9501(b)(2)(B).

108 Jayaratne, supra note 102, at 3. 

109 Id. 

110 Email from Staff, DOL, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Aug. 21, 2015, 16:45 EST) (on file 

with the Committee).
Page 18 of 34

3. Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs’ Longshore Special Fund:

Pursuant to statutory authority under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation 

Act (LHWCA),

111 DOL through OWCP, may “assess civil penalties for statutory violations”112

and those “funds collected are deposited into the Longshore Special Fund.”113 These funds are 

“held in trust in the Treasury and its assets are not money or property of the United States.”114 

For FY 2010 through FY 2014, DOL collected $2,115,556.00 and placed it in the 

Longshore Special Fund under this authority.115

VI. Department of the Interior 

The Department of the Interior (Interior) collects and retains fines and penalties pursuant 

to statutory authorities within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Office of Surface 

Mining Reclamation, and for the Central Hazardous Waste Fund (CHMF).116 Interior collected 

and retained for agency use $79,380,815.00 between January 1, 2010, and June 3, 2015.117 

1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) assess and retain fines and penalties under a 

number of statutes which direct the funds to particular accounts.118 Between January 1, 2010,

and June 3, 2015, FWS collected approximately $72 million in civil and criminal fines and 

penalties. 

The bulk of FWS’s collections over this period were a result of the Deepwater Horizon 

spill. Specifically BP Oil paid approximately $62.2 million for violations of the Migratory Bird 

Treaty Act.119 FWS collected an additional $1.8 million for violations of the Migratory Bird 

Treaty Act arising out of the Deepwater Horizon spill “by parties other than BP Oil and 

deposited into the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund Account.”120 

Of the remaining, non-Deepwater Horizon funds collected over this time period, “about 

$2.1 million was collected for civil and criminal violations of the ESA and about $5.7 million 

 

111 33 U.S.C. § 901 et seq., and 33 U.S.C. § 944(c)(3).

112 Jayaratne, supra note 102, at 3. 

113 Id.

114 Id.

115 Email from Staff, DOL, supra note 110. 

116 Letter from Olivia Barton Ferriter, Deputy Asst. Sec’y; Budget, Finance, Performance, and Acquisition; Interior, 

to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (June 3, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).

117 Id. at 1-3. 

118 Id. at 1-2. These statutes and funds include: (1) African Elephant Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 4201-4246) 

flow to the African Elephant Conservation Fund Account; (2) Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. §§ 1531-

1544), the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371-3378), and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 

§§ 5301-5306) flow to the Lacey Act Reward Account; (3) Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 1361-

1407) flow to Marine Mammal Protection Act Account; (4) Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 703-715) flow 

to the North American Wetlands Conservation; and (5) Wild Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 4901-4916) flow 

to the Exotic Bird Conservation Fund Account. 

119 Id. at 2. 

120 Id. 
Page 19 of 34

was collected for civil and criminal violations of the Lacey Act,” and all of these collections 

“were deposited into the Lacey Act Reward Account.”121 FWS collected $80,815.00 in fines and 

penalties “resulting from violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” and “FWS is 

authorized to use those funds for expenses related to administering marine mammal protection 

activities.”122

2. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement:

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement collects penalties under the 

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.123 The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 

2009124 permits “collections in fiscal year 2009 and thereafter to be used directly by the 

Department or through grants to states for reclamation projects on lands adversely affected by 

coal mining practices.”125 

From January 1, 2010, through June 3, 2015, Interior collected approximately $3.9 

million in penalties under these provisions.126

3. Central Hazardous Waste Fund:

Interior is authorized to retain and deposit into the Central Hazardous Waste Fund

(CHMF),

127 “any fines and penalties collected from parties responsible for the cleanup of 

Department-managed lands contaminated by hazardous substances.”128 These funds “are used to 

support remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and cleanups for which the Department is 

responsible.”129 

From January 1, 2010, through June 3, 2015, Interior collected and placed into the CHMF 

$3.6 million.130

VII. Department of Transportation 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to collect fines and penalties

in relation to nine operating administrations and components.131 All of these fines and penalties 

 

121 Id. For these violations, any amount in the Lacey Act Reward Account over $500,000 must be transferred into 

the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. According to Interior’s response, Congress may 

appropriate monies from this fund to a grant program “that provides financial assistance to states for voluntary 

species and habitat conservation projects on non-federal lands.” Id. 

122 Id. 

123 30 U.S.C. §§ 1201-1328; see also 30 U.S.C. § 1268 (penalty provision); see also Barton Ferriter, supra note 116, 

at 2.

124 Pub. L. No. 111-8, 123 Stat. 524 (2009).

125 Barton Ferriter, supra note 116, at 2; see also Pub. L. No. 111-8, div. E, title I, 123 Stat. 712 (codified at 30 

U.S.C. § 1308a).

126 Barton Ferriter, supra note 116, at 2.

127 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-88.

128 Barton Ferriter, supra note 116, at 2.

129 Id.

130 Id. 

131 Letter from Anthony R. Foxx, Sec’y, DOT, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1 (May 14, 2015) (on file with the Committee); see also Email from Staff, DOT, to Staff, H. Comm. on 

Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 24, 2015 10:46 EST) (on file with the Committee). Specifically, these agencies 
Page 20 of 34

are submitted to the Treasury, except for the two instances where funds are retained which are 

discussed below.

132

 

DOT reported collecting $638,584,712.00 and retaining $93,906,312.00 from January 1, 

2015, through March 2015.133

1. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation:

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)

134 is a “wholly-owned 

Government corporation and is currently a DOT operating administration.”135 Pursuant to 

statutory authority, “all SLSDC non-appropriated revenues, including fines and penalties, are 

deposited into SLSDC’s no-year revolving fund, which finances emergencies and extraordinary 

capital outlays.”136 

Between January 1, 2010, and May 14, 2015, “the SLSDC assessed a total of 

approximately $27,000 in civil fines and penalties.”137

2. Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund:

Pursuant to statutory authority,138 “DOT penalties assessed for non-compliance with 

certain reporting, record keeping and safety requirements imposed on rail and motor carriers are 

directed... to be deposited in the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).”139 

These funds “are not segregated from other HTF funding streams and are disbursed pursuant to 

U.S. Department of the Treasury oversight and management and other statutory requirements 

that apply to the trust fund as a whole.”140 

From January 1, 2010, through March 2015, the total civil penalties deposited into the 

HTF were $93,879,312.00.141

 

include the Federal Railroad Administration, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Aviation Consumer Protection/Aviation Economic Regulations 

Violations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, 

the Maritime Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Highway Trust Fund.

132 Id.

133 Id.; see also Email from Staff, DOT, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 24, 2015 10:46 

EST) (on file with the Committee).

134 33 U.S.C. §§ 981-990.

135 Foxx, supra note 131, at 2.

136 Id. 

137 Id. 

138 49 U.S.C. § 521(b)(10).

139 Foxx, supra note 131, at 2. 

140 Id. 

141 Email from Staff, DOT, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Sept. 24, 2015 10:46 EST) (on file 

with the Committee).
Page 21 of 34

VIII. Department of Health and Human Services 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) collects and retains fines and 

penalties pursuant to statutory authorities within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Centers for 

Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of Inspector General.142 

From FY 2010 through FY 2014, HHS collected and retained for agency use 

$221,758,000.00.

1. Office for Civil Rights:

Office for Civil Rights (OCR) “may assess civil money penalties or compromise a 

penalty with payment of a monetary amount as part of a settlement under the Social Security 

Act, and may retain such monies under the Health Information Technology and Clinical Health 

Act for its enforcement.”143 From FY 2010 through FY 2014, OCR collected and retained under 

this authority $18,781,000.00.144

2. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) assess and retain fines and 

penalties under a number of statutes which direct the funds to particular accounts within HHS.

145

 

From FY 2010 through FY 2014, CMS collected and retained $99,725,000.00.146 The bulk of 

these funds, $92,034,000.00, were collected under the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control 

Program and deposited into the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to offset losses from fraud 

or abuse under the this program.147 Additionally, CMS deposited an additional $233,000.00 into 

the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund as a result of penalties collected under the Medicare 

Coverage Gap Discount Program under the Social Security Act for pharmaceutical 

manufacturers’ failure to provide applicable discounts to eligible beneficiaries.

148

 CMS assessed 

and retained $7,449,000.00 due to Long Term Care penalties.149 These penalties are assessed 

when it is determined a skilled nursing facility no longer meets a requirement according to the 

statute or in some other way jeopardizes the health and safety of its residents and CMS must use 

these funds “to support activities that benefit residents, including assistance to support and 

protect residents of a facility that closes (voluntarily or involuntarily) or is decertified.”150

 

142 Letter from Ellen G. Murray, Asst. Sec’y for Financial Resources, HHS, to Jim Jordan, Chairman, Subcomm. on 

Healthcare, Benefits, and Administrative Rules, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-2 (May 28, 2015) (on 

file with the Committee).

143 Id. at 1; see also 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-5 and 42 U.S.C. § 17939(c).

144 Id. at enclosed Collection and Retention of Fines and Penalties of HHS spreadsheet.

145 Id. at 2. The statutory authorities providing for assessment, collection, and retention of funds are: 42 U.S.C. § 

1395i-3, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7c, and 42 U.S.C. § 1395w-114A.

146 Id. at enclosed Collection and Retention of Fines and Penalties of HHS spreadsheet.

147 Id. at 2 and enclosed Collection and Retention of Fines and Penalties of HHS spreadsheet.

148 Id. at 2 and enclosed Collection and Retention of Fines and Penalties of HHS spreadsheet; see also Section 

1860D-14A of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1395w-114A.

149Id. at enclosed Collection and Retention of Fines and Penalties of HHS spreadsheet.

150 Id. at 2.
Page 22 of 34

3. Office of Inspector General:

The Office of the Inspector General for HHS may assess and retain fines and penalties 

under a number of statutes which directs the usage of the collected funds.151 Generally, the

collected funds must first go “to make the affected program whole, then to cover the costs of the 

OIG investigation, audit and/or compliance monitoring. Any additional funds collected 

generally are remitted to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, where they ultimately go to 

the Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control Account.”152 

From FY 2010 through FY 2014, the Office of Inspector General collected 

$103,252,000.00 and requested $2,587,250.93 as reimbursement.153

IX. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) collects fines and penalties 

pursuant to statutory authorities within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), HUD’s 

Departmental Enforcement Center (DEC), the Government National Mortgage Administration 

(Ginnie Mae), the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), and HUD’s 

General Counsel.

154

 

HUD collected $22,539,750.37 between January 1, 2010, and November 3, 2015, and 

retained $20,413,670.00; the remainder of these fines and penalties were submitted to the U.S.

Department of the Treasury. Those funds retained by HUD for agency use are discussed below.

1. Federal Housing Administration:

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) may assess and collect civil money penalties 

under Mortgagee Review Board against FHA-approved lenders who are not incompliance with 

FHA lending requirements as well as against individuals involved in HUD’s single family 

housing programs.155 The use of funds collected is restricted to use by FHA’s insurance fund, as 

authorized by Congress.156 

Between January 1, 2010, and November 3, 2015, “FHA imposed or obtained civil 

money penalty judgements in the amount of $12,420,175.00 pursuant to these authorities.”157

2. Departmental Enforcement Center:

 

151 Specifically, pursuant to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2002, the Health Care 

Quality Improvement Act of 1986 and the Social Security Act. Id. at 2. 

152 Id.

153 Id. at enclosed Collection and Retention of Fines and Penalties of HHS spreadsheet; see also Briefing by HHS 

Office of Inspector General to H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform Staff on Fines and Penalties (June 15, 

2015).

154 Letter from Erika L. Moritsugu, Asst. Sec’y for Congressional and Intergov. Relations, HUD, to Jason Chaffetz, 

Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (Nov. 3, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

155 Id. at 1. The statutory authorities used to collect and retain penalties are 12 U.S.C. § 1708, 24 C.F.R. § 25.12, 12 

U.S.C. § 735f-14, and 24 C.F.R. § 30.36.

156 Id.

157 Id. 
Page 23 of 34

The Departmental Enforcement Center (DEC)158 has delegated authority to assess and 

retain civil penalties “against owners of multifamily housing properties (including nursing 

homes) that have FHA-insured or HUD-held mortgages or Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)

contracts with HUD for violations of contractual and regulatory requirements.”159 The DEC may 

“pursue civil money penalties against individuals involved in loans insured pursuant to the 

National Housing Act.”160 

Based on these authorities, DEC collected $6,446,820.00 which was “deposited into the 

Flexible Subsidy Fund to provide assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects.”161 An 

additional $73,600 was collected by DEC for violations of HAP contracts by non-FHA insured 

multi-family housing owners and these funds are deposited in a liquidating account for collection 

by Treasury.162

3. Government National Mortgage Administration:

The Government National Mortgage Administration (Ginnie Mae) is authorized to levy 

civil money penalties against program participants for various program violations.

163

 Ginnie 

Mae collected its first civil penalty in June 2014 and has since collected $1,546,675.00.164 The 

funds collected are “deposited in Ginnie Mae accounts at Treasury for use by Ginnie Mae to 

cover expenses and obligations,” including “funding the expenses for defaulted issuer 

portfolios.”165

X. Department of Agriculture 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) may assess and collect fines and 

penalties in relation to sixteen operating administrations and components.166 All of these fines 

and penalties are submitted to the Treasury, except for the three instances where funds are 

retained which are discussed below.167 

 

158 The statutory authorities used to collect and retain penalties are 12 U.S.C. § 1735f-14, 12 U.S.C. § 1735f-15, 12 

U.S.C. § 1715z-1a(j), 12 U.S.C. § 1701q-1, and 42 U.S.C. § 1437z-1.

159 Moritsugu, supra note 154, at 2. 

160 Id. 

161 Id. As noted in the letter, this was specifically pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1735f-15(j) and 12 U.S.C. § 1701q-1(j).

162 Id. As noted in the letter, this was specifically pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1437z-1.

163 Moritsugu, supra note 154, at 2-3. Statutory and regulatory authorities found in 12 U.S.C. § 1722, 12 U.S.C. § 

1723i, and 24 C.F.R. § 30.50.

164 Id. at 3. 

165 Id. 

166 Letter from Todd Batta, Asst. Sec’y, Office of Congressional Relations, USDA, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. 

Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 and Enclosure (Oct. 30, 2015) (on file with the Committee). Specifically, 

these agencies include the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Marketing Service, Agricultural 

Research Service, Commodity Credit Corporation, Economic Research Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Forest 

Service, Farm Service Agency, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards 

Administration, National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Natural 

Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, and Risk Management Agency.

167 Id. at 1. 
Page 24 of 34

USDA reported collecting $65,029,368.95 from FY 2010 through FY 2014; however,

USDA only provided retention data for FY 2013 and FY 2014. During this period, USDA 

retained $20,083,138.76 of the total amount.

168

1. Commodity Credit Corporation:

“USDA’s commodity and disaster programs are funded by the [Commodity Credit 

Corporation (CCC)] and are operated out of a revolving fund, in which CCC has a permanent 

indefinite borrowing authority.”169 In calculating the CCC’s receipts in the revolving fund, there 

are proceeds from penalties.170 

In FY 2013 and FY 2014, CCC collected $14,815,595.86 from fines and penalties.171

2. Agricultural Marketing Service:

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is authorized to collect fees to offset costs 

related to the evaluation of agricultural products shipped or received in interstate commerce, as 

well as late payment penalties and interest on overdue accounts.172 

In FY 2013 and FY 2014, AMS collected $427,167.89.

173

3. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) “operates under a fee structure 

that partially offsets the administration of the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) 

program.”174 “If a customer fails to pay the assessed fee, APHIS is authorized to assess late 

payment penalties that are retained in the same accounts that fund the service and are therefore 

not returned to the Treasury.”175

During FY 2013 and FY 2014, APHIS collected $4,795,375.01 in fines and penalties.176

 

168 Id. at 1 and enclosure; see also Email attachment USDA Fines and Penalties from Staff, USDA, to Staff, H. 

Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Nov. 4, 2015 11:22 EST) (on file with the Committee).

169 Letter from Todd Batta, Asst. Sec’y, Office of Congressional Relations, U.S. Dep’t of Agriculture, to Jason 

Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (Sept. 25, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

170 Id.

171 Batta, supra note 166, at 1 (Oct. 30, 2015). 

172 Batta, supra note 169, at 1 (Sept. 25, 2015).

173 Batta, supra note 166, at Enclosure (Oct. 30, 2015). There are some unexplained inconsistencies in USDA’s data 

for the AMS. One letter states in FY 2014, “AMS collected a little more than $3,000 in total fines and penalties that 

were retained for use by the agency.” Batta, supra note 169, at 1 (Sept. 25, 2015). Yet, the subsequent letter on Oct. 

30, 2015, provides a higher amount of total fines and penalties for FY 2014. Batta, supra note 166, at 1 (Oct. 30, 

2015).

174 Batta, supra note 169, at 1 (Sept. 25, 2015). 

175 Id.

176 Batta, supra note 166, at Enclosure (Oct. 30, 2015). The USDA’s providing of APHIS retention data appears 

unclear as one letter states in FY 2014, “APHIS collected $603 million in the account to fund AQ1, of which 

$210,000 was collected through fines and penalties.” Batta, supra note 169, at 1 (Sept. 25, 2015). Yet, the 

subsequent letter on Oct. 30, 2015, denotes a higher amount of total fines and penalties for FY 2014 for APHIS. See 

Batta, supra note 166, at 1 (Oct. 30, 2015).
Page 25 of 34

XI. Department of Commerce 

According to the Department of Commerce’s (Commerce’s) response, Commerce may 

assess and collect fines and penalties in relation to five operating administrations and 

components.177 All of these fines and penalties are submitted to the Treasury, except where 

funds were either retained by Commerce or sent to another Department.178 

Commerce reported collecting $131,776,148.00, retaining $20,776,148.00, and sending 

$35,000 directly to the Department of State for an administrative penalty between January 1, 

2010, and July 14, 2015.179

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assesses and retains fines 

and penalties under a number of statutes, including three authorizing the retention of funds which 

directs the funds to particular accounts.180 The three statutes authorizing retention of funds are:

the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; the South Pacific Tuna Act; 

and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.

181

Between January 1, 2010, and July 14, 2015, NOAA collected approximately $20.8 

million in civil and criminal fines and penalties. The majority of this amount, $20.6 million, was 

deposited into funds established pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which authorizes NOAA 

to fund certain enforcement-related costs associated with violations of marine resource laws

NOAA enforces.182 The additional $176,148.00 was retained in accordance with the National 

Marine Sanctuaries Act and was deposited into the National Marine Sanctuaries Fund to support 

the management of marine sanctuaries.183

2. Bureau of Industry and Security:

Under the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR)184 and the Additional 

Protocol Regulations,185 the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is authorized to assess 

penalties.

186

 Since January 1, 2010, BIS has brought one administrative enforcement action 

 

177 Letter from Jim Stowers, Acting Asst. Sec’y for Legislative and InterGovernmental Affairs, Commerce, to Jason 

Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-4 (July 14, 2015) (on file with the Committee). 

Specifically, these agencies include the Bureau of Industry and Security, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, International Trade Administration, Census, and National Technical Information Service.

178 Id. 

179 Id.

180 Id. 2-3 and footnote 2.

181 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1801 et seq.; South Pacific Tuna 

Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 973 et seq., and National Marine Sanctuaries Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 973 et seq. Id. at 2-3. 

182 Stowers, supra note 177, at 3.

183 Id. 

184 15 C.F.R. §§ 710 et seq., implementing certain obligations of the United States under the Convention on the 

Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, 

codified as the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. §§6701 et seq.).

185 15 C.F.R. §§ 781 et seq., implementing certain obligations of the United States under the Additional Protocol to 

the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, codified as the United States Additional Protocol Implementation Act of 

2006 (Pub. L. No. 109-401).

186 Stowers, supra note 177, at 2. 
Page 26 of 34

related to the CWCR.187 This resulted in an administrative penalty of $35,000 paid directly to 

the Department of State. The BIS did collect the majority of fines and penalties for Commerce 

under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Export Administration 

Regulations which authorizes the assessment and collection of administrative penalties relating 

to export enforcement and antiboycott compliance matters.188 This does not, however, provide 

retention authority. There was approximately $111,000,000.00 which BIS assessed in penalties 

between FY 2010 and March 2015, and all was transferred to the Treasury.

189

XII. Department of Defense 

The Department of Defense (DOD) is unique in its collection and retention of fines and 

penalties. Pursuant to statutory authorities DOD collects and retains fees for its own use and 

additionally, DOD collects and then transfers fines and penalties pursuant to statutory authority 

to another Governmental entity; which is neither DOD nor Treasury.

190

 Pursuant to these 

authorities, FY 2010 through FY 2014, DOD collected $6,340,000.00 through fines and

forfeitures which were assessed and retained for agency use but specifically directed to military 

pay appropriations.

191

 Additionally, pursuant to statutory authorities,192 from FY 2010 through 

FY 2014, DOD collected through fines and forfeitures assessed to enlisted members, warrant 

officers, and limited duty officers $171,140,000.00, which was transferred to the Armed Services 

Retirement Home Trust Fund.

193

DOD’s total collection from FY 2010 through FY 2014 was $177,480,000.00.194 

XIII. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation 

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) may assess, collect, and retain civil 

penalties for three types of violations of Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security 

Act (ERISA).

195

 “Section 4005 of ERISA requires that all penalties collected are credited to 

PBGC’s revolving funds and authorizes PBGC to use funds only for PBGC’s insurance 

programs.”196 

PBGC collected and retained $16,766,425.00 between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 

2015.

197 The bulk of this came under PBGC’s authority for late payment premiums,198 of which 

 

187 Id. 

188 Id. 

189 Id. 

190 Letter from Michael McCord, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer, DOD, to 

Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-2 (July 31, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).

191 Id. at 2. 

192 10 U.S.C. § 2772 and 10 U.S.C. §§ 801-946.

193 McCord, supra note 190, at 2. Please note the Armed Services Retirement Home is an independent agency, 

further information available at https://www.afrh.gov/.

194 Id. at 2. 

195 Letter from Alice C. Maroni, Acting Dir., PBGC, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1 (July 24, 2015) (on file with the Committee). 

196 Id.; see also 29 U.S.C. § 1305. 

197 Id. at 2-4. 

198 29 U.S.C. § 1307, 29 U.S.C. § 1305, and 29 CFR § 4007.8.
Page 27 of 34

$15,812,232.00 PBGC retained between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2015.199 The remaining 

$954,193.00 between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2015, was retained pursuant to PBGC’s 

authority to assess penalties for late filing of information.200 Between January 1, 2010, and May 

31, 2015, PBGC did not collect or retain funds pursuant to their final authority under 

multiemployer notices penalties.201

XIV. Small Business Administration 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) collects fines and penalties pursuant to 

statutory authorities within the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act.202 

SBA collected $2,591,000.00 between January 1, 2010, and June 26, 2015, and retained 

$2,580,000.00; the remainder of these fines and penalties were submitted to the U.S. Department 

of the Treasury.

203

 The amount retained for agency use was assessed and collected as a penalty 

on late payment of secondary market fees.204 The agency uses retained fees in its Office of 

Capital Access for administration of the program which generated the fees.205

XV. Department of Homeland Security 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collects fines and penalties pursuant to 

statutory authorities within five components: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement 

(ICE), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and United States Coast Guard 

(USCG).206

DHS collected $1,258,471,275.33 between January 1, 2010, and July 22, 2015, and 

retained $2,900,402.00; the remainder of these fines and penalties were submitted to the 

Treasury.

207

 

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Within DHS, only Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may retain funds 

collected through fines and penalties and pursuant to its statutory authority, the $2,900,402.00 

retained was paid into the National Flood Mitigation Fund.208

 

199 Maroni, supra note 195, at Attachment A and Attachment B.

200 Id.; see also 29 U.S.C. § 1371, 29 U.S.C. § 1363, 29 U.S.C. § 1083, 29 U.S.C. § 1305, 29 C.F.R. § 4010.14, 29 

C.F.R. § 4041.29, and 29 C.F.R. § 4071.

201 Maroni, supra note 193, at 4; see also 29 U.S.C. § 1452, 29 U.S.C. § 1305, and 29 C.F.R. § 4302.

202 Letter from Thaddeus Inge, Assoc. Admin’r, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, SBA, to Jason 

Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform – Attachment A (June 26, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).

203 The SBA’s letter to the Committee stated the SBA in total collected $297,900.17. However, the attachment 

denoted a higher amount. Id. at 2 – question 5 and Attachment A. The SBA clarified the total amount was provided 

in the attachment. Staff, SBA, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (Apr. 13, 2016, 16:39 EST) (on file 

with the Committee).

204 15 U.S.C. § 634(b)(12)-(13). Inge, supra note 202, at Attachment A.

205 15 U.S.C. § 634(b)(13).

206 Letter from Russell C. Deyo, Under Secretary for Management, DHS, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. 

on Oversight & Gov’t Reform Enclosure 1 (July 22, 2015).

207 Id. at Enclosure 3. 

208 Id. at Enclosure 2-3; see also 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(f)(8). 
Page 28 of 34

2. The United States Coast Guard:

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is located within DHS and has statutory authority to 

collect fines and penalties; however all fines and penalties collected under these authorities are 

remitted to the Treasury’s General Fund.

209

 Under these authorities, the USCG collected 

$809,619,864.57.210

XVI. Social Security Administration 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is authorized to impose civil monetary 

penalties and assessments for certain misconduct, such as making false or misleading statements 

or withholding information necessary to determining eligibility, under Sections 1129 and 1140 of 

the Social Security Act.

211

 Further, under Section 201(g)(1) of the Social Security Act certain 

fines and penalties are remitted to the “Federal Old Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or 

the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (collectively, the Social Security Trust Funds).”212

Specifically, the SSA’s Office of Inspector General is delegated the authority to assess these 

penalties.213 

Between FY 2010 and March 31, 2015, under this authority $61,550,000.00 was 

collected and remitted to these funds pursuant to statutory authority.214

 

209 Id. at Enclosure 1-2; see also Letter from Todd A. Sokalzuk, Rear Admiral and Assistant Commandant for 

Resources and Chief Financial Officer, USCG, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1 (April 10, 2015). The Committee separately sent a letter to the USCG prior to its letter to the DHS. 

However, after receiving responses from both because USCG is a component of DHS and does not retain any funds, 

the Committee opted to place USCG under DHS although the response was counted as an additional agency

surveyed and the amount of funds was noted in the total collections chart. The Committee did not utilize USCG 

reported numbers to calculate the total collected as DHS included it and inclusion of both would have been 

duplicative.

210 Id. at Enclosure 3. 

211 Email from Staff, SSA, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (July 8, 2015 12:13 EST) (on file with 

the Committee); see also 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-8 and 42 U.S.C. § 1320b-10. 

212 Letter from Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner, SSA, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on 

Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-2 (June 25, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

213 Email from Staff, SSA, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform (July 8, 2015 12:13 EST) (on file with 

the Committee).

214 Id.
Page 29 of 34

Agencies Retention or Redistribution of Fines for Special 

Funds

While several agencies retain funds collected from fines and penalties for their own use 

within specific accounts, other agencies reported, pursuant to statutory authorities, certain fines 

and penalties collected were transferred to another agency under the statute or to the Treasury for 

use in a specific single-purpose fund which is subject to Congressional appropriations. 

I. Environmental Protection Agency

The Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) total collection between January 1, 2010,

and December 31, 2014, was $607,666,246.80.215 The EPA has three single-purpose funds into 

which fines and penalties flow into specific accounts within Treasury for specific uses subject to 

Congressional appropriations.216

1. Superfund Trust Fund:

Penalties for violations of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, 

and Liability Act (“CERCLA”)217 are “generally directed to the Superfund Trust Fund.”218 Once 

in the Superfund Trust Fund, the EPA may not use the funds absent a Congressional 

appropriation.219 Generally, appropriations from the Superfund Trust Fund are provided to EPA 

as “a part of the EPA’s Hazardous Substance Superfund appropriation, which is generally 

available ‘[f]or necessary expenses to carry out [CERCLA].’”220 

2. Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund:

Under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act,221 EPA may assess fines and penalties related 

to oil and hazardous substance liability.222 The funds collected from this are transferred “to the 

U.S. Coast Guard via the intra-Governmental payment and collection (‘IPAC’) system for 

deposit in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.”223 Once the funds are deposited into the Oil Spill 

Liability Trust Fund, the EPA may not spend them absent a Congressional appropriation.224

 

215 Letter from Laura Vaught, Assoc. Admin’r, Office of Congressional and InterGovernmental Affairs, EPA, to 

Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform Enclosure ii (May 14, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).

216 Id. 

217 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601-9675.

218 Vaught, supra note 215, at Enclosure i.

219 Id. (“Once deposited in the Superfund Trust Fund, Congress must appropriate such funds before the EPA may 

spend them. Therefore, spending is constrained by whatever terms and conditions Congress includes in the EPA's 

appropriations acts.”).

220 Id. (quoting Pub. L. No. 113-235 (2015)).

221 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251-1376.

222 Vaught, supra note 215, at Enclosure i.

223 Id. (citing Pub. L. No. 101-380, § 4304 (1990) (26 U.S.C. § 9509 note)).

224 Id.
Page 30 of 34

The EPA did not specifically provide the Committee with the amount collected and 

directed into this fund.225

3. Asbestos Trust Fund:

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act,226 portions of penalties are deposited into the 

Asbestos Trust Fund in the Treasury.227 The funds are first directed to local education agencies

to asbestos management, and the remaining, unspent portions are deposited into the Asbestos 

Trust Fund.228 

As with the other funds noted for EPA, the EPA may only spend monies in the Asbestos 

Trust Fund by way of a Congressional appropriation. Congress has not appropriated funds for 

this purpose since FY 1993.229 

II. Federal Reserve Board

The Federal Reserve Board (FED or Board) has statutory authority to impose civil money 

penalties under a variety of statutes.230 From January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2015, the FED

collected $3,739,783,660.00, of which $2,809,655,000.00 was remitted to Treasury, as the FED

does not retain any funds collected through penalties to support its own operations.231 However, 

there are instances where the FED is statutorily authorized to transfer collected penalties to other 

agencies or authorities.232

1. Payments to the National Flood Mitigation Fund:

Under the Flood Act the FED may assess a penalty against a lending institution that

violates the Act’s requirements.233 “Any penalties collected under this provision must be paid 

into the National Flood Mitigation Fund, which makes funds available for planning and carrying 

out activities designed to reduce the risk of flood damage to structures covered by flood 

insurance required by the Act.”234 

From January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2015, the FED collected and remitted 

$428,660.00 to the National Flood Mitigation Fund.235

2. Payments to Federal Agencies and Borrower Assistance under National Mortgage 

Settlement and Approved Consumer Groups:

 

225 Id. at 1.

226 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601-2697.

227 Vaught, supra note 215, at Enclosure i.

228 Id. (citing 15 U.S.C. § 2647(a); 20 U.S.C. § 4022).

229 Id. at Enclosure i-ii.

230 Letter from Janet Yellen, Chair, Federal Reserve System, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight 

& Gov’t Reform 2 (July 17, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

231 Id. at 2 and Attached Table.

232 Id. at 1-4 and Attached Table.

233 Yellin, supra note 230, at 2. Statutory authority provided at 42 U.S.C. § 4012(a)(f).

234 Id. at 2-3. See 42 U.S.C. § 4012(a)(f)(8) and 42 U.S.C. § 4104(c).

235 Id. at Attached Table.
Page 31 of 34

Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the FED is authorized “to assess penalties 

against regulated banks, bank holding companies, other types of banking institutions, among 

other things for violations of law or regulations, or orders or conditions of the Board, for unsafe 

and unsound practices, or for breaches of fiduciary duty.”236 The FED is further given authority 

to “compromise, modify, or remit” any penalty under this authority.237 

From January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2015, there were six cases in which the FED

exercised its authority to assess civil monetary penalties against six banking organizations for 

unsafe and unsound practices residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing. 

These six cases resulted in $926,500,000.00 being provided to the National Mortgage 

Settlement.238 Additionally, in August 2012, the FED assessed a $3,200,000.00 penalty against 

MetLife for the same reasons but as MetLife had not yet entered into a settlement with other 

Federal and state entities yet, these funds were provided to approved consumer groups.239

III. Department of Veterans Affairs 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may assess fines and penalties for violations of 

Security and Law Enforcement at VA facilities as well as fines for late filing of forms under 

Employee ethics rules.240 However, in both instances VA does not retain the funding.241 

Under employee ethics rules, from January 1, 2010, through August 21, 2015, the VA 

collected $1800 which was remitted to Treasury in accordance with the Miscellaneous Receipts 

Act.242 For violations of security and law enforcement at VA facilities, the fines are collected 

through federal United States Courts for deposit through the Central Violations Bureau to the 

Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) Crime Victims Fund.243 

IV. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has statutory authority to impose civil 

money penalties under a variety of statutes.244 Between January 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015,

FDIC collected a total of $47,472,954.00; of which $45,044,994.63 in civil monetary penalties 

was remitted to the Treasury.

245

 

236Id. at 2. See 12 U.S.C. § 1818(i)(2)(A)-(C).

237 Id. 

238 Id. FED worked with other federal agencies such as HUD and DOJ in this settlement process and after the 

requisite time period money from this fund will be transferred to Treasury in accordance with the funds rules and 

settlement procedures. Id.

239 Id.

240 Letter from Edward J. Murray, Acting Asst. Sec’y. for Mgmt. and Interim Chief Financial Officer, VA, to Jason 

Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (Aug. 21, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

241 Id. 

242 Id.

243 Id.

244 These statutes include 12 U.S.C. § 1818(i)(2) and 42 U.S.C. § 4012a(f). Id. 

245 Letter from Martin J. Gruenberg, Chairman, FDIC, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & 

Gov’t Reform at 2, 5 (July 6, 2015) (on file with the Committee).
Page 32 of 34

FDIC also collects civil monetary penalties under the Flood Disaster Protection Act246

and remits the funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Flood 

Disaster Mitigation Fund.247 Pursuant to this statutory authority, between January 1, 2010, and 

March 31, 2015, FDIC collected $2,427,960 which was remitted to FEMA under the Flood 

Disaster Protection Act.248

V. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has statutory authority to impose 

civil money penalties under a variety of statutes.249 Between January 1, 2010, and June 26, 

2015, the FERC collected $485,486,154.00 through penalty assessments.

250

 The FERC has no 

authority to keep any of these funds collected through fines and penalties.

251 These funds are

sent to the Treasury, pursuant to the Miscellaneous Receipts Act, except in limited instances 

where a Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) participates in a FERC 

investigation and then the collected funds are split between the ERO and Treasury.252 

FERC did not provide specifics related to the funds potentially split between an ERO and 

Treasury.253

VI. Federal Housing Finance Agency

Although, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has statutory authority to impose 

civil money penalties in two instances, the FHFA has never utilized these authorities.254 Under 

FHFA’s first authority255 the funds would be deposited into the Treasury’s General Fund, 

whereas under the second authority256 the funds would be placed into the Housing Trust Fund 

administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

257

 

Agencies Whose Funds Flow Directly to Treasury

Under the Miscellaneous Receipts Act, absent statutory authority providing otherwise, all 

fines, fees, and penalties collected by agencies are required to be deposited in the Department of

the Treasury’s General Fund.

258

 In light of the Miscellaneous Receipts Act, a substantial number 

 

246 Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, Pub. L. No. 93-234, 87 Stat. 978 (1973) (codified as amended in scattered 

sections of 42 U.S.C.); see also 42 U.S.C. § 4012a (civil penalty provision).

247 Gruenberg, supra note 245, at 1. 

248 Id. at 2 and 5.

249 Letter from Norman Bay, Chairman, FERC, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform 1 (June 26, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

250 Id. at 3. 

251 Id. at 1-2.

252 Id. at 2.

253 Id. at 2-3.

254 Letter from Melvin Watt, Dir., FHFA, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 

(April 7, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

255 Id.; see also 12 U.S.C. § 4686. 

256 Id.; see also 12 U.S.C. § 4585. 

257 Id.; see also 12 U.S.C. § 4585(f). 

258 31 U.S.C. § 3302(b).
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of the agencies surveyed reported having authority to collect funds but no authority to retain the 

funds and all funds collected are remitted to the Treasury. 

Agency Amount Collected and Remitted to Treasury

Department of Education $4,864,386.99259

Consumer Product Safety Commission $38,961,500.00260

Federal Communications Commission $179,253,000.00 261

U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID)

$1,118,375.22262

Department of Energy $25,633,028.00263

Federal Maritime Commission $10,937,250.00264

Federal Trade Commission $96,754,227.51265

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission $1,558,036.00266

Department of State $157,171,566.63267

National Transportation Safety Board $0268

Department of the Treasury As of November 21, 2016, Treasury failed to 

provide the Committee with the total amount 

collected or remitted to the General Fund. 269

 

259 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through July 13, 2015. Letter from Lloyd Horwich, Asst. Sec’y, ED, to 

Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 2 (July 13, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

260 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through June 19, 2015. Letter from Elliot Kaye, Chairman, CPSC, to 

Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 4 (June 19, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

261 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through May 31, 2015. Letter from Hon. Tom Wheeler, Chairman, 

FCC, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform - Attached Responses 5 (July 17, 

2015) (on file with the Committee). $158 million settlement with Verizon and Sprint discussed in the Executive 

Summary section of this report occurred after FCC’s reporting of its data to the Committee and is therefore not 

included in the figure above. FCC Press Release, supra note 7.

262 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through July 1, 2015. Letter from T. Charles Cooper, Asst. Admin’r, 

USAID, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (July 1, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).

263 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through May 18, 2015. Letter from Eric J. Fygi, Deputy General 

Counsel, DOE, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-2 (May 18, 2015) (on file 

with the Committee).

264 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through June 23, 2015. Letter from Mario Cordero, Chairman, FMC, to 

Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-2 (June 23, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).

265 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through June 19, 2015. Letter from Edith Ramirez, Chairwoman, FTC, 

to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1-3 (June 19, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee). The totals provided in the letter created a discrepancy and the FTC followed up in email with 

Committee staff providing the correct figured for Bureau of Competition cases as $4,776,000 rather than the 

$4,746,000 initially provided in the letter. Email from Staff, FTC, to Staff, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t 

Reform (Apr. 4, 2016 16:06 EST) (on file with the Committee).

266 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through June 22, 2015. Letter from Stephen Burns, Chairwoman, NCR, 

to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform, Enclosure 4 (June 22, 2015) (on file with 

the Committee).

267 The total noted is from FY 2010 through FY 2014. Letter from Julia Frifield, Asst. Sec’y, Legislative Affairs, 

State, to Jim Jordan, Chairman, Subcomm. on Healthcare, Benefits, and Administrative Rules of H. Comm. on 

Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (July 1, 2015) (on file with the Committee).

268 The total noted is from January 1, 2010, through June 24, 2015. Letter from Christopher Hart, Chairman, NTSB, 

to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (June 24, 2015) (on file with the 

Committee).
Page 34 of 34

Conclusion and Recommendations

While agencies reported compliance with the Miscellaneous Receipts Act and were able 

to detail those circumstances where funds were retained or otherwise set aside, the level of 

accountability of those funds which are not returned to the General Fund of the Treasury is 

questionable. In order to improve oversight and transparency of this process, there are various 

options.

First, there is legislation to improve agencies’ accounting of funds collected through fines 

and penalties. Based on Committee review, agencies have vast differences in how information 

from each enforcing program office or division is collected and maintained, making it nearly 

impossible to track the exact amount of funds collected or retained. Agencies response time 

varied as some agencies did not track or keep such information in a consolidated or organized 

manner. Efforts should include evaluating ways to standardize the type of information required 

to be recorded across the Government and centralizing accounting efforts within each agency. 

Further, for funds transferred between agencies and state or local Governments, a standardized 

system of accounting would improve agencies’ abilities to track and account for such funds. 

Second, agencies can improve their oversight over retained funds. Agencies were 

generally unable to provide detail regarding the use of such funds besides stating the funds were 

retained or deposited into the correct account. If the agencies feel overburdened by this, the 

Inspectors Generals (IGs) are well-positioned to provide oversight of retained funds and ensure 

its use is consistent with statutory requirements.

Third, additional oversight is necessary to evaluate statutorily-exempt funds for 

compliance with how funds are distributed or used by the agency or other agency-recipients of 

those funds. Further review of the following may aid in identifying appropriate legislation:

 Existing statutory carve-outs and agency discretion in the use of retained funds;

 Flexibility agencies and DOJ have to craft the terms of legal settlements;

 Level of involvement agencies have in the settlement process;

 Extent to which funds aid or provide restitution to victims and the public; and

 Controls over funds flowing to private parties from settlement and administrative 

enforcement activities.

Finally, Congressional review of agencies which rely on collections to fund their 

activities, do not receive congressional appropriation, or are funded primarily through mandatory 

spending is necessary. This will restore Congress’ “power of the purse” and reduce 

inappropriate use of settlements. 

 

269 Letter from Randall DeValk, Acting Asst. Sec’y for Legislative Affairs, Treasury, to Jason Chaffetz, Chairman, 

H. Comm. on Oversight & Gov’t Reform 1 (May 15, 2015) (on file with the Committee). Treasury was informed its 

initial response did not provide a sufficient response and Treasury as of November 21, 2016, has failed to provide 

the Committee with this information.