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119th Congress
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SENATES. 766· 119th Congress

Federal Agencies Must Report Overdue and Over-Budget Projects to Congress

Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025

Sponsor
Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Introduced
Feb 27, 2025
Last Action
Sep 16, 2026

Recorded legislative actions. Future votes are not implied.

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Passed Committee
Nov 3, 2025
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Passed Senate
Dec 11, 2025
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Received in House
Dec 15, 2025
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In Committee
Mar 18, 2026
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Passed House
Sep 16, 2026

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: May 7, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

  • OMB must issue guidance requiring federal agencies to annually report projects that are more than 5 years behind schedule or over budget by at least $1 billion
  • Agencies must submit project descriptions, scope changes, original and current completion dates, cost estimates adjusted for inflation, and explanations for delays or cost increases
  • Agencies must disclose any awards, incentive fees, or bonuses given for projects meeting the reporting criteria
  • OMB must compile agency submissions into an annual report and post it publicly on the OMB website
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Congress will receive documented information about major federal project overruns, enabling oversight of spending and schedule performance
  • The bill creates a transparency mechanism but does not authorize OMB to take corrective action, impose penalties, or restructure projects
  • Effects on project outcomes, agency behavior, or future spending are not documented in the official summary
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • House passed the bill by voice vote under suspension of rules on September 16, 2026
  • Senate held a hearing in the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on March 18, 2025
  • Bill originated in Senate (S. 766) and was received in House on December 15, 2025
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Sep 16, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Sep 16, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Sep 16, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Sep 16, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 766.
  • Sep 16, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
  • Sep 16, 2026 — Mr. Comer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  • Mar 18, 2026 — Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.
  • Dec 15, 2025 — Held at the desk.