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Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025

3/19/2025, 3:23 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1722

Bill 119 HR 1722, also known as the Taxpayer Accountability and Transparency Act, aims to increase transparency and accountability in taxpayer-funded projects by requiring an annual report to be submitted to Congress. This report will detail projects that are over budget and behind schedule, providing insight into how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

The bill seeks to address concerns about government inefficiency and wasteful spending by shining a light on projects that are not meeting their deadlines or staying within budget. By requiring this annual report, lawmakers hope to identify areas where improvements can be made to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently.

Supporters of the bill argue that increased transparency will help hold government agencies and contractors accountable for their performance on taxpayer-funded projects. By making this information readily available to Congress and the public, it will be easier to identify and address issues that may be contributing to delays and cost overruns. Opponents of the bill may argue that the reporting requirements could be burdensome for government agencies and contractors, potentially adding additional costs and administrative burdens to projects. However, proponents believe that the benefits of increased transparency and accountability outweigh any potential drawbacks. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1722 aims to promote greater transparency and accountability in taxpayer-funded projects by requiring an annual report on projects that are over budget and behind schedule. By providing this information to Congress and the public, lawmakers hope to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government spending.

Congressional Summary of HR 1722

Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025

This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to collect information from federal agencies and report to Congress regarding projects that are behind schedule or have expenditures that have exceeded the original cost estimate. 

Specifically, the bill requires OMB to issue guidance directing federal agencies to annually submit specified information to OMB regarding certain federally funded projects that (1) are more than five years behind schedule, or (2) have expenditures that are at least $1 billion more than the original cost estimate for the project. 

Among other information, the agencies must submit to OMB

  • a description of each project;
  • an explanation of any change to the original scope of the project;
  • the original and current expected dates for the completion of the project;
  • the original and current cost estimates adjusted for inflation; 
  • an explanation for any delays in completing the project or increases in the cost; and
  • the amount of and rationale for any award, incentive fee, or other type of bonus awarded for the project.

The bill also requires OMB to submit an annual report to Congress containing the information submitted by the agencies and post the report on the OMB website. 

Current Status of Bill HR 1722

Bill HR 1722 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 27, 2025. Bill HR 1722 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025.  Bill HR 1722's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of February 27, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1722

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1722

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1722

To require an annual report of taxpayer-funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule.
To require an annual report of taxpayer-funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule.

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