Order Aims to Curb Fraud and Waste in Federal Spending
Published Date: 3/28/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The government is stepping up to protect America’s money from fraud, waste, and abuse by requiring better financial tracking from all federal agencies. This means agencies must share more detailed info to help catch mistakes and stop billions of dollars from slipping away each year. Starting soon, these changes will make sure your tax dollars are safer and spent smarter.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Treasury will pre-screen federal payments
The Department of the Treasury will require pre-certification verification for payments it makes on behalf of agencies to detect fraud and improper payments before disbursing funds. The order directs agencies to cooperate with Treasury screening programs (including the Do Not Pay system) to defend against the $233 billion to $521 billion the Government estimates it loses annually to fraud.
New payment verification checks listed
Before payment, certifying officers must meet pre-certification checks such as verifying funds availability, correct payee name, required taxpayer or payee ID (SSN, TIN, EIN, ITIN, or Payee ID), valid bank account belonging to the payee, payees are not deceased, and inclusion of contract or award identifiers where applicable. These specific criteria are listed in the order as conditions Treasury may enforce before certification.
Agencies must send payment files in advance
Agencies must submit payment files (except same-day payments) to the Department of the Treasury with sufficient lead time before disbursement as determined by Treasury to allow fraud and improper-payment screening. For same-day payments, agencies must submit payment files as much in advance as reasonably practicable.
Treasury will centralize disbursing authority
Within 30 days, the Secretary of the Treasury must assess whether to revoke delegated disbursing authority and may return disbursing functions from Non-Treasury Disbursing Offices (NTDOs) to Treasury. Agency heads (including Defense, Homeland Security, and the Attorney General) will work with Treasury to delegate their disbursing activities to Treasury, and remaining NTDOs must report daily to Treasury's centralized accounting system.
Agencies will share records and enable matching
Agency heads must update system-of-records notices under the Privacy Act within 90 days to include a routine use allowing disclosure of records to the Department of the Treasury for identifying, preventing, or recouping fraud and improper payments. The order also directs Treasury (in consultation with OMB) to minimize barriers to data access and may waive requirements for computer matching activities to the extent permitted by law.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11415 — Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
2026-11314 — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States
The U.S. is updating tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports to keep our national security strong. Big changes include higher taxes on metal products starting soon, affecting importers and industries using these metals. These moves aim to protect American jobs and industries while keeping prices fair.
2026-11181 — Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands
This new order makes it easier for people to enjoy federal lands by removing old, confusing rules about off-road vehicle use that are no longer needed. It affects anyone who visits or manages public lands, updating rules to match modern technology and laws. These changes start right away and aim to save time and money while still protecting the environment.
2026-11180 — Realigning United States Core Childhood Vaccine Recommendations With Best Practices From Peer, Developed Countries
The U.S. is updating its childhood vaccine schedule to match the best practices of other developed countries, focusing on fewer vaccines but keeping all current options available. This change aims to boost public trust and respect parents' rights while still protecting kids’ health. The new schedule will roll out soon, with no extra costs expected for families or the government.
2026-10817 — Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
2026-10481 — Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Belarus
The U.S. is keeping its national emergency with Belarus for another year because the Belarusian government still threatens democracy, human rights, and international safety. This means sanctions and restrictions on certain Belarusian officials and entities stay in place to protect U.S. interests. The emergency started in 2006 and was expanded in 2021, and it continues through June 16, 2027.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05523 — Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections
This order makes sure American elections are fair, honest, and follow clear rules. It affects states by requiring them to count only ballots received by Election Day and to verify voters properly, stopping illegal votes and confusion. These changes start right away and aim to protect your vote without extra costs to taxpayers.
Next: 2025-05593 — Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities
The President is extending the national emergency about serious cyberattacks from outside the U.S. for another year, keeping protections in place to guard our security, economy, and foreign relations. This means rules and actions to stop harmful hacking will continue without change through April 1, 2026. Anyone involved in cyber threats or affected by related sanctions should stay alert, as this keeps the government’s cyber defense strong and ready.