GAO lists nearly 100 agency reforms to free up 'tens of billions' in federal spending

The Government Accountability Office on Tuesday published a review identifying nearly 100 specific actions federal agencies could take to cut overlap, improve program efficiency and free up “tens of billions” of dollars in the federal budget. The report compiles recommendations aimed at reducing duplication, overlap and fragmentation across agencies, and builds on years of GAO work tracking duplicated programs and inefficient spending.

GAO officials said the package of measures spans agency operations and program design and is intended to give executives and congressional oversight staff concrete options for reducing waste without undermining program goals. The recommendations include steps agencies can take on their own as well as actions that would require coordination with other departments, changes to law or follow-up by the Office of Management and Budget.

Where the savings would come from

The report does not present a single line-item estimate for total savings but frames the proposals as collectively worth “tens of billions” if implemented. It echoes GAO’s prior findings that when agencies adopt watchdog recommendations—particularly those targeting duplicated programs and inefficient practices—the financial benefits can be substantial: GAO’s tracking shows earlier recommendation implementation produced nearly $775 billion in financial benefits over time.

Recommendations range from opportunities to better align similar programs across agencies to administrative and procurement reforms that could reduce overhead. Some suggestions are internal process changes agencies can implement quickly, while others would require interagency coordination or congressional action to realize larger fiscal impacts.

Who in Washington will act

Because GAO is a congressional watchdog based in Washington, D.C., the report is aimed directly at the federal managers, OMB officials and congressional oversight staff who shape budgets and program rules from the capital. GAO’s reports are routinely used by Capitol Hill committees and by the Office of Management and Budget to inform budget reviews and to prioritize executive action.

Agency responses to GAO recommendations vary, and implementation often takes months or years. The report notes that some prior GAO recommendations have been adopted broadly, while others remain open. GAO’s ongoing tracking of agency responses is designed to give lawmakers and agency leaders a clearer view of which reforms are feasible and which require statutory or policy changes.

GAO framed the report as a menu of options, designed to help leaders and policymakers identify near-term efficiency gains and longer-term structural changes. The watchdog emphasized that adopting the recommendations could improve program delivery as well as generate budgetary space for other priorities.

What to watch next: congressional committees and OMB reviews of the report will signal which proposals are likely to move forward and whether any will be folded into upcoming budget negotiations or agency strategic reviews.

, meaning the report could shape agency actions, OMB guidance and congressional oversight in the capital. ## Key details - GAO published a review listing nearly 100 . - The report frames potential savings as "tens of billions" of dollars if implemented. - GAO’s prior recommendations on duplicated federal programs have generated about $775 billion in financial benefits when agencies acted.

- Recommendations include administrative reforms, program alignment and items that may require congressional or OMB action. C. ## What to watch Watch for OMB and relevant congressional committees to cite the GAO report during budget and oversight sessions; their responses will indicate which recommendations could become policy or law.