Protecting America's Account (E.O. 14249)

Summary

Requires federal agencies to use Treasury Department systems for payments, allowing for better checks to stop fraud and wasteful spending.

What problem does this solve?

The government loses hundreds of billions of dollars each year to fraud because different agencies use separate, outdated payment systems with little oversight. This order solves the problem by moving all payment functions to the Treasury Department, which will check payments for fraud before they are sent.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies
Government employees responsible for payments (Certifying Officers)
Businesses and individuals receiving federal payments

What does this order do?

Requires pre-payment fraud checks

Directs the Treasury Department to check all agency payments for fraud and errors before the money is sent out. This uses systems like the 'Do Not Pay' list.

Centralizes payment authority

Reduces the number of agencies that can issue their own payments (NTDOs). Moves most payment duties to the Treasury Department to create a single, unified system.

Consolidates financial systems

Orders federal agencies to stop using their separate, old financial systems. Requires them to move to standard, modern systems approved by the Treasury.

Improves data sharing between agencies

Requires agencies to share payment data with the Treasury Department. This helps identify and prevent fraud across the entire government.

Establishes new payment verification rules

Creates a list of checks that must be done before a payment is approved. This includes making sure funds are available and payee information is correct.

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces government waste and fraud

Saves billions of taxpayer dollars each year by stopping incorrect or fraudulent payments before they happen. Centralizes payment systems under the Treasury Department to improve oversight and accountability.

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Modernizes outdated government technology

Forces federal agencies to update their old financial systems and use a single, modern platform. This improves efficiency and reduces the costs of maintaining many different systems.

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Increases the Treasury Department's power

Gives the Treasury Department significant control over all federal agency payments. This could slow down payments if the new checks cause delays, affecting people and businesses waiting for government funds.

When does this start?

This order takes effect on March 25, 2025, and sets several deadlines for agencies over the following months.

Treasury assessment of payment offices

Within 30 days (by April 24, 2025), the Treasury Secretary must assess which agency payment offices (NTDOs) should be closed.

Agency compliance plans

Within 90 days (by June 23, 2025), all agency heads must submit a plan to the Office of Management and Budget on how they will follow this order.

Update data sharing rules

Within 90 days (by June 23, 2025), agency heads must update their privacy notices to allow for sharing records with the Treasury to prevent fraud.

Guidance on financial systems

Within 180 days (by September 21, 2025), the Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance for agencies to combine their financial systems.

Treasury implementation report

Within 180 days (by September 21, 2025), the Treasury Secretary must report to the President on the progress made in implementing the order.