August 12, 2008
The National Law Journal reports that proposed amendments to the federal False Claims Act are sharpening the divide between supporters and opponents.
The House and Senate have similar bills awaiting final action. They would make the most substantive changes in the law since 1986.
Supporters say the amendments are intended to correct court decisions that have weakened the law. Opponents claim the bills are designed to strengthen the hands of qui tam plaintiffs and their lawyers, even at the expense of the government.
But both sides agree that the FCA has been an effective tool at combatting government contractor fraud, returning $20 billion to the federal Treasury since 1986.