House passes bipartisan bills to strengthen government transparency and security, while reducing wasteful operations in federal agencies.
At a Glance
- The House of Representatives approved five bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security in federal government
- Legislation includes measures to protect federal supply chains from foreign adversaries and reduce regulatory burdens
- The GOOD Act requires agencies to publish all regulatory guidance online for public accessibility
- Cybersecurity measures mandate federal contractors establish vulnerability disclosure programs
- Legislation received broad support from both Republicans and Democrats
Bipartisan Effort to Modernize Government Operations
In a display of cooperation that has become increasingly rare in Washington, the House of Representatives recently passed several bipartisan bills designed to modernize federal operations and enhance security measures. The legislation, which emerged from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, addresses critical areas including government transparency, cybersecurity protections, and national security concerns in federal procurement processes.
The Federal Register Modernization Act (H.R. 9592) represents a significant step toward modernizing government operations by authorizing the Government Publishing Office to publish the Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations online. This common-sense measure is expected to save taxpayer dollars while making important government information more accessible to citizens and businesses who need to understand federal regulations.
Americans deserve to know their taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.
Chairman @SenGaryPeters’ bipartisan bill to improve independent auditing of federal grant recipients, enhance fraud prevention, and increase transparency in government spending has advanced in the Senate!
— Homeland Security & Govt. Affairs Committee — Dems (@HSGAC) August 5, 2024
Enhancing Transparency and Cybersecurity Protections
The Guidance Out of Darkness (GOOD) Act stands as a centerpiece of the transparency initiatives, requiring federal agencies to publish all regulatory guidance in a single, easily accessible online location. This measure addresses a longstanding complaint from citizens and small businesses who have struggled to locate and understand the regulatory guidelines they are expected to follow.
“Unfortunately, agency guidance documents are difficult to find, leaving Americans and small businesses guessing, and oftentimes struggling, to comply with the law. The Guidance Out of Darkness Act rights this wrong by requiring federal agencies to be transparent about interpretations of the law through publishing guidance in an easily accessible, online location. Laws should not be implemented based on guidance that’s kept in the dark,” Chairman Comer said.
The Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025 addresses growing concerns about the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure by requiring contractors working with the federal government to maintain vulnerability disclosure programs. These programs allow security researchers to identify and report potential security flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
It’s alarming how little reporting is required around how U.S. dollars flow into China. I'm introducing a bipartisan bill to improve transparency and address significant investment and national security risks posed by unchecked American capital in China.https://t.co/jClERX521w
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) April 26, 2022
National Security and Procurement Reform
The Safe and Smart Federal Procurement Act takes aim at potential national security risks within federal procurement processes by directing the Office of Management and Budget to evaluate the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable provisions. This legislation responds to concerns that prioritizing the lowest cost could inadvertently introduce security vulnerabilities when purchasing critical technology or services.
“This is a matter of national security. Federal contractors handle some of the most sensitive information and critical infrastructure in the country. Without basic vulnerability disclosure policies, we are leaving a gaping hole in our cybersecurity defenses. This bipartisan bill ensures contractors uphold the same cybersecurity standards as federal agencies, reducing risks before they turn into catastrophic breaches,” Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Mace said.
Additionally, the Federal Acquisition Security Council Improvement Act of 2024 aims to protect federal supply chains by excluding foreign adversaries from procurement processes. This measure comes amid growing concerns about potential infiltration of sensitive government systems by hostile foreign entities through technology procurement channels.
Eliminating Waste and Enhancing Accountability
The Eliminate Useless Reports Act reflects a practical approach to government efficiency by requiring agencies to review and eliminate duplicative or outdated reporting requirements. This measure aims to reduce bureaucratic waste and allow federal employees to focus on more productive tasks rather than generating reports that serve little practical purpose.
