Stop Secret Spending Act (H.R. 2069)

Summary

Makes the government report special spending deals, called 'other transaction agreements,' on the public USAspending.gov website to increase openness.

What problem does this solve?

Currently, some government spending deals are not shared with the public, which makes it hard to see where money is going. This bill fixes that by requiring these deals to be listed on the USAspending.gov website for everyone to see.

What does this bill do?

Requires reporting of 'Other Transaction Agreements'

Amends existing law to specifically include 'other transaction agreements' as a type of federal award that must be reported publicly on the USAspending.gov website.

Sets deadline for automated data reporting

Requires that within three years, data on 'other transaction agreements' must be automatically sent to USAspending.gov and made available in a centralized view.

Creates annual report on unreported spending

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish an annual report on USAspending.gov detailing the total amount of spending not posted on the site and the reasons why, such as for national security.

Mandates Inspector General audits

Requires the Inspector General of each federal agency to regularly audit and report on the quality and accuracy of the spending data their agency submits.

Requires plan for implementation

If data is not fully available within two years, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a plan to Congress on how full compliance will be achieved by the three-year deadline.

Requests review of federal contracting rules

Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and recommend updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to align with the new transparency requirements.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies
The American public and taxpayers
Government contractors

What is the real world impact?

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Increases government transparency

Closes a loophole that allows certain federal spending agreements to remain hidden from the public, making it easier for citizens to see how their tax dollars are being used.

When does this start?

The bill sets several deadlines for agencies to begin reporting new spending information, with full compliance required within three years.

Full Data Integration Deadline

Within 3 years of the bill becoming law, all data on 'other transaction agreements' must be automatically transmitted to and available on USAspending.gov.

Implementation Plan to Congress

If the data system is not fully working within 2 years, the Secretary of the Treasury must submit a plan to Congress detailing how the 3-year deadline will be met.

First Reports Due

Within 1 year, the first annual report on unreported funds must be posted, the first Inspector General reports must be submitted, and the GAO must provide its recommendations.