A Comprehensive Plan for Targeting Government Spending and Closing the Gaps

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The federal government spent approximately $6.1 trillion in 2023 (Congressional Budget Office), but too often, those dollars don’t reach the communities and people who need them most. Waste, inefficiency, and outdated priorities cost taxpayers billions each year. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), improper payments alone totaled over $247 billion in 2022.

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It’s time for a smarter, more transparent approach to government spending—one that prioritizes real needs, eliminates waste, and builds trust with the American people.

1. Audit and Eliminate Wasteful Spending

• Regular Independent Audits: Mandate annual, independent audits of all major federal agencies and programs, with public reporting of findings and recommendations.

• Cut Duplicative Programs: The GAO found over 1,100 areas of overlap and duplication in federal programs—consolidate or eliminate those to save billions.

• Zero-Based Budgeting: Require agencies to justify every dollar in their budgets from scratch, not just add to last year’s spending.

2. Prioritize Investments with Proven Results

• Evidence-Based Funding: Expand the use of evidence-based policymaking—fund what works, defund what doesn’t. For example, the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act has saved millions by only paying for programs that deliver measurable outcomes.

• Performance Metrics: Tie funding to clear performance metrics, such as graduation rates, health outcomes, or job creation.

3. Increase Transparency and Public Accountability

• Open Spending Data: Expand USASpending.gov, requiring all federal contracts, grants, and expenditures to be searchable and accessible to the public in real time.

• Community Budget Forums: Hold regular, public forums (in-person and virtual) for citizens to weigh in on spending priorities and hold leaders accountable.

4. Target Spending to Close Gaps and Promote Equity

• Direct More Funds to Underserved Areas: Use tools like the Opportunity Zone program—but with stronger oversight—to ensure investments reach communities with the greatest need, not just the wealthiest developers.

• Equity Impact Assessments: Require agencies to assess and publicly report the equity impact of major spending decisions, ensuring resources reduce—not widen—racial and economic disparities.

5. Modernize Government Technology and Processes

• Digital Transformation: Invest in modern technology to reduce paperwork, speed up services, and cut administrative costs. The IRS modernization effort saved over $400 million in processing costs alone (Treasury Inspector General, 2023).

• Prevent Fraud and Improper Payments: Use advanced data analytics and AI to detect fraud, waste, and abuse in real time—protecting every taxpayer dollar.

6. Empower Local Solutions and Partnerships

• Flexible Block Grants: Give states and localities more flexibility through block grants, but require strong accountability and reporting to prevent misuse.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage private sector expertise and investment for infrastructure, affordable housing, and community revitalization—ensuring federal dollars go further.

7. Bipartisan Oversight and Continuous Improvement

• Bipartisan Spending Review Commission: Establish a permanent, bipartisan commission in Congress to review major spending bills and recommend reforms before passage.

• Continuous Feedback Loops: Require agencies to report regularly on program outcomes and solicit feedback from the communities they serve.

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Why This Matters

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• The U.S. national debt surpassed $34 trillion in 2023. Every wasted dollar adds to the burden on future generations.

• According to Pew Research, 80% of Americans believe the government could cut spending without reducing services.

• Smarter spending means more resources for what matters: schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and national security.

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Together, We Can Restore Trust and Deliver Results

Targeting government spending isn’t about cutting for the sake of cutting—it’s about making every dollar count. By eliminating waste, investing in what works, and ensuring transparency, we can bridge the gaps and build a government that truly serves the people.