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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 1722· 119th Congress

Federal Agencies Must Report Delayed, Over-Budget Projects

Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act

Sponsor
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
Introduced
Feb 27, 2025
Last Action
Jul 23, 2026
Passage
68%
Introduced
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Floor Vote
Jul 23, 2026
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • OMB collects annual reports from federal agencies on projects delayed over 5 years or exceeding original cost by $1+ billion.
  • Agencies must explain delays, cost increases, scope changes, and any bonuses awarded to contractors on these projects.
  • OMB publishes findings in yearly public report posted online for Congress and citizens to review.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Taxpayers gain visibility into where federal money gets stuck; currently these failures stay buried in agency files.
  • Congress gets concrete data to oversee major infrastructure and defense projects, reducing hidden cost overruns.
  • Agencies face pressure to justify delays and contractor payments, potentially improving project management discipline.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • House passed it July 22 via voice vote. Senate received it July 23 and assigned to calendar—no debate scheduled yet.
  • Senate must debate and vote before sending to president. Bipartisan oversight bills often move smoothly, but timing uncertain.
  • Track progress at Congress.gov (H.R. 1722) or contact your senator's office to signal support for transparency.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 23, 2026Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 467.
  • Jul 22, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Jul 22, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Jul 22, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • Jul 22, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5159)
  • Jul 20, 2026At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Burlison objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
  • Jul 20, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1722.
  • Jul 20, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4663-4664; text: CR H4663)