Follow America’s fastest-growing news aggregator, Spreely News, and stay informed. You can find all of our articles plus information from your favorite Conservative voices.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently highlighted significant issues with improper payments made by federal agencies, with billions of dollars mishandled in the latest fiscal year. These payments, according to the watchdog, are those that “should not have been made or were made in an incorrect amount.” This includes duplicate payments, payments to ineligible recipients, and money spent on goods or services not received.
As of January 23, the GAO has reported that since fiscal year 2003, executive branch agencies have disclosed improper payments totaling approximately $2.8 trillion. For fiscal year 2024 alone, these payments amounted to $161.5 billion. This sum could theoretically purchase over 380,000 homes across the U.S., based on median home sales price data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
While the 2024 figure is substantial, it is notably lower than the $236 billion reported in fiscal year 2023. Since 2019, annual improper payments have consistently exceeded $150 billion. Under the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (PIIA), agencies are required to identify risks associated with improper payments, take corrective measures, and report these payments within their programs.
The GAO’s report revealed non-compliance with PIIA criteria among 10 agencies under the Chief Financial Officers Act for fiscal year 2022. These include the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, and Small Business Administration.
Of these, nine agencies were found non-compliant for one or more programs or activities for two consecutive years—2021 and 2022. The Department of Homeland Security was the only exception. For agencies failing to comply for two years in a row, they must submit proposals to become compliant with the PIIA.
These compliance proposals are to be sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which is expected to provide guidance as part of the fiscal year 2026 President’s Budget development. GAO has recommended that the director of OMB ensure agencies not in compliance with PIIA clearly state in their financial statements their plans to achieve compliance.
Before the finalization of the GAO report, a draft was reviewed by OMB, which agreed with the recommendations but did not provide any additional comments. The attention to financial accountability comes amid broader governmental efforts to enhance efficiency and productivity.
In line with these goals, President Donald Trump, on his first day in office, signed an executive order launching the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. This effort aims to modernize federal technology and software, enhancing governmental efficiency. The U.S. Digital Service has been rebranded as the U.S. DOGE Service (USDS).
The executive order includes the establishment of a temporary U.S. DOGE Service Organization to spearhead the President’s 18-month DOGE agenda. This organization is tasked with coordinating with the USDS and advising agency heads on implementing the DOGE agenda.
Despite its intentions, the DOGE initiative has faced resistance, with four lawsuits filed against it on January 20 in Washington. Plaintiffs include the American Public Health Association, the American Federation of Teachers, Minority Veterans of America, and the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
The Center for Biological Diversity, the National Security Counselors, and consumer watchdog group Public Citizen have also filed suits. Kieran Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed concerns that DOGE could undermine federal protections for the environment and wildlife.
Amid the controversy, Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), a founding member of the DOGE Caucus, introduced a bill to promote governmental efficiency. He emphasized the need to reduce waste and prioritize streamlined regulations, saying, “The American people gave Washington a mandate in November—waste less, save more.”
The senator’s initiative aims to address the public’s demand for reduced government waste, emphasizing the importance of the DOGE mission. Lankford’s proposed legislation is seen as a commitment to fulfilling this voter mandate and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used judiciously.
This push for efficiency aligns with broader calls for accountability in government spending, especially in light of the staggering figures reported by the GAO. It underscores a commitment to ensuring that financial resources are managed responsibly and effectively.
The ongoing challenges and initiatives reflect a broader conversation about governance and accountability, with a clear focus on reducing inefficiencies and promoting transparency. As these efforts unfold, the commitment to improving government operations remains a priority.
In the face of opposition, the drive to modernize and enhance governmental functions continues to be a central theme. The DOGE initiative and related legislative efforts highlight a proactive approach to addressing long-standing inefficiencies within federal operations.
The ongoing dialogue around these issues illustrates a dedication to refining government processes, aiming for a future where taxpayer funds are allocated with precision and care. As the conversation progresses, the focus remains on achieving tangible improvements in governmental efficiency.
Leave a Comment