Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025
Summary
The Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025 aims to amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. The goal is to ensure that other transaction agreements (OTAs) are reported to USAspending.gov. This increases transparency in government spending.
Expected Effects
The Act will require federal agencies to report data on OTAs, which are often used for research and development or prototype projects. It mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure data relating to OTAs is automatically transmitted to USAspending.gov. Additionally, it requires annual reports on federal spending for which data has not been posted.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in government spending through mandatory reporting of Other Transaction Agreements.
- Improved public access to information regarding how federal funds are allocated and spent.
- Enhanced oversight of federal agencies' use of OTAs.
- Greater accountability for federal spending, potentially leading to more efficient use of taxpayer money.
- Provides a centralized view of data related to OTAs on USAspending.gov.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on federal agencies to comply with the new reporting requirements.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to increased reporting obligations.
- Risk of exposing sensitive information if not properly handled, although the bill addresses national security-related spending.
- Costs associated with implementing and maintaining the new reporting systems.
- The three-year timeframe for full implementation may be considered lengthy.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the principle of government transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on a government of the people. While the Constitution does not explicitly address spending transparency, Article I, Section 9 requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money. This Act builds upon that principle by modernizing reporting mechanisms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).