The Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025 increases transparency in federal spending by requiring the reporting of "other transaction agreements" on USAspending.gov and mandating regular reports and oversight to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Joni Ernst
Senator
IA
The "Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency in federal spending by mandating the reporting of "other transaction agreements" on USAspending.gov. It requires the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure this data is accessible within three years and to publish annual reports on federal spending data. The Act also directs Inspectors General to submit reports to Congress, mandates specific federal agencies to post information, and instructs the Comptroller General to provide recommendations for updating the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025: Shining a Light on 'Other Transaction Agreements'
The Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025 is all about making sure "other transaction agreements"—basically, deals the government makes that aren't standard contracts or grants—get reported on USAspending.gov. This is a big move towards transparency, aiming to give everyone a clearer view of how federal money is being used. The bill sets a three-year deadline for the Treasury to get this data automatically flowing to the website, making it easily accessible to the public.
Pulling Back the Curtain on Federal Spending
The core of this bill is transparency. It mandates that within three years, all data on "other transaction agreements" must be transmitted to and made available on USAspending.gov. What does this mean for you? Imagine a local construction company that lands a federal project through one of these agreements. Previously, details might have been hard to come by, but this bill changes that. Now, you'll be able to see those details online, just like you can with traditional contracts. (SEC. 2)
Keeping Tabs and Reporting Back
Starting one year after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of the Treasury has to publish an annual report detailing any federal spending not posted on the website. This report will explain why that information is missing – citing reasons like national security, classified info, or if it involves grants or contracts from legislative or judicial branches. If the data isn't fully integrated within one year, the Secretary must list all "other transaction agreements" on USAspending.gov, providing descriptions for each. And if it's not done within two years, a detailed plan must be submitted to Congress outlining the steps to full compliance within the three-year deadline. (SEC. 2)
Holding Agencies Accountable
This isn't just about reporting; it's about accuracy. The bill amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, requiring Inspectors General to report to Congress on the completeness and accuracy of the data. Federal agencies will be responsible for ensuring the information they post is correct, with the Secretary and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget setting the standards. Think of it like this: if you're running a business, you're responsible for your financial reports. This bill applies a similar principle to government agencies. (SEC. 3)
Getting the Regulations Right
Finally, the bill tasks the Government Accountability Office (GAO) with recommending updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation within one year. This ensures that the rules governing federal contracts are in sync with the transparency goals of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. It's like making sure all the parts of a machine are working together smoothly. (SEC. 4)