Congress demands annual report on federal projects bleeding billions
H.R. 1722 — Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025 · Filed by Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 27, 2025 · Passed chamber
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What it does
This bill requires federal agencies to submit annual reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) detailing all taxpayer-funded projects that are either more than 5 years behind schedule or have cost overruns exceeding $1 billion. OMB must then publish these reports publicly on its website, making information about contractor names, cost estimates, delays, and explanations for overruns available to Congress and the public.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is mandatory disclosure of cost overruns and schedule delays in federal projects. It creates no new restrictions on contractors, no subsidies, and no carve-outs—only a reporting requirement designed to expose waste and enable oversight.
What the text implies
- Contractors and agencies may face reputational pressure or congressional scrutiny once overrun projects are publicly disclosed, potentially affecting future contract awards or appropriations.
- The bill requires CPI-adjusted cost comparisons, which may reveal that some projects have experienced cost growth beyond inflation—a more precise accountability measure than nominal dollars alone.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Citizens gain transparency into how federal money is spent on major projects and which contractors are responsible for cost overruns and delays. This enables public scrutiny, congressional oversight, and accountability for taxpayer dollars—a core democratic function.