Hawkeye Reporter

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released $5 million for the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), a move that ensures the committee can continue its operations through the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026. This decision comes after Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), who chair the Senate Judiciary and Appropriations Committees, sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought earlier in the week urging the release of funds for both PRAC and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).

In a joint statement, Grassley and Collins said, "We are pleased that following our outreach, OMB has decided to release funds that will allow PRAC to remain operational and continue its vital oversight work. This funding ensures that PRAC can keep its staff in place to continue providing the transparency and accountability that taxpayers deserve. While this is a positive step, OMB should promptly apportion funds for CIGIE as well, consistent with congressional intent."

PRAC was established by Congress in 2020 as part of CIGIE under the CARES Act to oversee government-wide efforts related to emergency responses during the Coronavirus pandemic. In 2025, Congress extended PRAC’s authorization and broadened its responsibilities as part of new tax legislation.