Comment Submitted by Christopher Figueroa

Fraudulent claims on government entities continue to plague them and the taxpayers alike. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is subject to numerous fraudulent claims. The enormous amount of funds lost through fraud is astronomical and places an immense burden on the taxpayers. A major deterrent in combating fraud is the prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes. Laws should be updated to meet with the changes of time. The Revisions to the Regulations Implementing the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986 (24 CFR Part 28) is necessary to meet the changes of the twenty-first century. I am supportive of the purpose rule to revise 24 CFR Part 28. Conforming to the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986, regulations would streamline the administrative and prosecuting process. This would provide for better communications between all concerned parties. The modification and addition of definitions is also important. Understanding the meaning of terms also allows for better communication and decreases misunderstanding among parties. Appending the list of factors to consider in determining the amount of penalties and assessments to be imposed allows for a realistic approach in the penalty phase of the administrative hearing. Filing of complaints directly with the office of Administrative Law Judges provides for a direct and expedient method in processing these cases. The removal of disclosure of documents from Part 28 and added to Part 26 (hearing procedures) allows for all regulations to be addressed in one section of the code. The "ability to pay" should be an additional factor to determine penalties and assessments. The appropriate penalty should be commensurate with an individual’s income. Thank you very much for considering my comments regarding this purposed rule. Mr. Christopher Figueroa