House passes bipartisan measures to boost government efficiency, but key stakeholders question if they will deliver on transparency promises.
At a Glance
- House of Representatives passed five bipartisan bills designed to improve federal government efficiency, transparency, and security
- Legislation focuses on modernizing regulatory publications, establishing cybersecurity requirements for contractors, and improving procurement processes
- Bills aim to address national security concerns by protecting the federal supply chain from foreign adversaries
- Measures would eliminate unnecessary reporting requirements while enhancing oversight of critical government functions
Comprehensive Reform Package Targets Government Operations
In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the House of Representatives has passed a significant legislative package aimed at improving how the federal government operates. The bills, originating from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, seek to modernize outdated processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen national security measures across federal agencies.
“The House of Representatives has advanced several bipartisan bills to make the federal government more efficient and effective for the American people. These bills provide better stewardship of American taxpayers’ money by modernizing, streamlining, and securing government operations and projects. They also deliver more transparency and accountability, both of which the American people demand and deserve from the federal government,” Chairman James Comer said.
Americans deserve to know their taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.
Chairman @SenGaryPeters’ bipartisan bill to improve independent auditing of federal grant recipients, enhance fraud prevention, and increase transparency in government spending has advanced in the Senate!
— Homeland Security & Govt. Affairs Committee — Dems (@HSGAC) August 5, 2024
Bringing Government Guidance Into The Light
One key measure, the Guidance Out of Darkness (GOOD) Act, aims to address a longstanding issue that has frustrated businesses and individuals trying to navigate federal regulations. The legislation requires agencies to publish regulatory guidance documents online in a single, accessible location, enhancing transparency and making compliance less burdensome for the public and small businesses.
“Unfortunately, agency guidance documents are difficult to find, leaving Americans and small businesses guessing, and oftentimes struggling, to comply with the law. The Guidance Out of Darkness Act rights this wrong by requiring federal agencies to be transparent about interpretations of the law through publishing guidance in an easily accessible, online location. Laws should not be implemented based on guidance that’s kept in the dark,” Comer stated.
Another measure, the Federal Register Modernization Act, authorizes the Government Publishing Office to publish the Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations online. This effort is expected to save taxpayer money while improving accessibility to important government information.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and National Security
The package includes the Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act, which establishes new requirements for companies doing business with the federal government. The legislation mandates that federal contractors implement vulnerability disclosure programs to better protect sensitive government information systems from cyber attacks.
“This is a matter of national security. Federal contractors handle some of the most sensitive information and critical infrastructure in the country. Without basic vulnerability disclosure policies, we are leaving a gaping hole in our cybersecurity defenses. This bipartisan bill ensures contractors uphold the same cybersecurity standards as federal agencies, reducing risks before they turn into catastrophic breaches,” Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Mace said.
The Federal Acquisition Security Council Improvement Act takes aim at protecting the government supply chain from foreign adversaries by excluding such entities from procurement processes. Meanwhile, the Safe and Smart Federal Procurement Act directs the Office of Management and Budget to evaluate potential national security risks in federal procurement.
The legislative package also includes measures focused on improving efficiency and eliminating waste. The Eliminate Useless Reports Act seeks to reduce bureaucratic burden by requiring agencies to review and eliminate duplicative or outdated reports. Additionally, the Value Over Cost Act provides the federal government with contractual flexibility by reducing regulatory burdens and promoting considerations beyond just the lowest price.
Public safety concerns are addressed through the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act, which requires the U.S. Postal Service to track and report injuries and fatalities related to mail transportation vehicles. The GAO Inspector General Parity Act rounds out the package by ensuring the independence of the Government Accountability Office’s Inspector General, applying recent reforms that include congressional notification of any removal or transfer.
