Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Summary
Orders federal agencies to remove barriers and share unclassified data with each other to help find and stop government waste, fraud, and overpayments.
What problem does this solve?
Government agencies often keep their information separate, which makes it hard to see the big picture and catch problems like fraud or wasted money. This order forces agencies to share their data, making it easier for the government to find and fix these issues.
Who does this affect?
- Federal agencies
- State governments receiving federal funds
What does this order do?
Mandates broad access to government data
Requires agency heads to give designated federal officials full and quick access to all unclassified agency records, data, and software systems to find and stop waste and fraud.
Requires access to state program data
Orders agency heads to take steps to ensure the federal government has complete access to data from all state programs that get federal money.
Removes barriers to data sharing
Directs agency heads to cancel or change any agency rules that block the sharing of unclassified information between or within agencies within 30 days.
Grants access to unemployment data
Gives the Secretary of Labor immediate and complete access to all unemployment data and related payment records.
Reviews classified information policies
Requires agencies to review their policies for classifying information to see if they are too strict and report their findings within 45 days.
What is the real world impact?
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Improves government efficiency and reduces waste
Aims to save taxpayer money by making it easier for different government parts to work together and spot fraud, duplicate payments, and other forms of waste.
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Increases federal oversight of state programs
Gives the federal government direct access to data from state programs that use federal funds, increasing its ability to monitor how states spend that money.
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Raises potential data privacy concerns
Consolidating large amounts of government data, even if unclassified, could create risks for personal privacy if the information is not properly secured or is used for purposes other than originally intended.
When does this start?
This order includes several deadlines for agencies to take action, starting immediately upon its signing on March 20, 2025.
Immediate data access
Effective immediately on March 20, 2025, the federal government must gain access to state program data and the Secretary of Labor must gain access to unemployment data.
30-day deadline for removing barriers
By April 19, 2025, agencies must rescind guidance that blocks data sharing and submit a report on regulations that should be changed.
45-day deadline for classification review
By May 4, 2025, agencies must review their classified information policies and submit a report with recommendations.