8-22 IAN EAJA Fraud

 Let me read you something coming directly from the desk of Congressman Mike Simpson: “The Equal Access to Justice Act, or EAJA, began as a noble effort to provide people harmed by the federal government, but without the means to fight it, an opportunity to recover legal fees if their claims had merit.  It was a worthwhile effort based on the concept that everyone should have the opportunity to challenge unjust actions of the federal government. Today, EAJA has an entire industry of litigants built around it – many of whom have made a lucrative career out of second guessing virtually every decision the Forest Service or BLM makes and leaving range and forest lands unhealthy and prone to catastrophic fires. Spokesperson Nikki Watts: “The excesses of EAJA abuse have grown so out-of-control that courts have awarded attorney’s fees as large as $600/hour and, in some cases, these awards go to litigants that haven’t even prevailed in making their case. Worse yet, the federal government seems incapable of keeping track of EAJA payments. “As Chairman of the Subcommittee that funds the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the EPA, I have authored language requiring these agencies to report to Congress on the yearly costs of litigation, EAJA payments, and any settlements they agree to.  And I am cosponsoring legislation that would cap reimbursements at $200 an hour, subject non-profits to the same standard as for-profits, and require that EAJA filers show a direct and personal monetary interest in order to qualify for payments.”