Which act increased SEC resources to improve financial reporting practices?

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is the correct response because it was enacted in response to major financial scandals involving large corporations, including Enron and WorldCom. This legislation aimed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures and financial reporting. One of its key provisions was the increased funding and resources for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), enabling the agency to better oversee financial reporting practices, enforce regulations, and hold companies accountable for transparency in their financial statements. The act established stricter penalties for fraudulent financial activity, thereby emphasizing the importance of ethical practices in corporate governance and reporting standards.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not have the same historical significance or connection to a direct enhancement of SEC resources as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act does.