Bill would force public tracking of billion-dollar federal project overruns
Signed into lawS. 766Latest action
Sponsor: Joni Ernst · Senator · IA
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Official title: Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act would require agencies to publicly report federal projects badly over budget or behind schedule.
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What does this do?
The bill requires OMB to create rules making federal agencies report annually on projects that are more than five years late or at least $1 billion over their original cost estimate. Agencies must disclose project details, contractors involved, original versus current costs, reasons for delays, and any bonuses paid despite the problems. OMB compiles this into a public annual report for Congress.
Who does it affect?
Federal agencies face new reporting duties, and government contractors will have their project performance made public.
Why does it matter?
Increased public reporting means agencies and contractors face greater scrutiny over delays and cost overruns on major projects.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Triggers at $1 billion over budget
- Or 5+ years behind schedule
- No new agency funding created
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Read the official bill on Congress.govNo call to make
This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-120.