Transparency

Mandated release of files was marred by missed deadlines, leaked victims’ information and excessive redactionsUS politics live – latest updatesThe US Department of Justice’s office of the inspector general (OIG) announced on Thursday that it is launching an audit of the justice department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.In a news release, the deputy inspector general William M Blier, who the statement said is performing the duties of the inspector general, said that the “preliminary objective” of the internal probe “is to evaluate the [justice department’s] processes for identifying, redacting, and releasing records in its possession as required by the Act”. Continue reading...

• On March 25, 2026, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act of 2026, unanimously passed by the Council on March 3, which required Metropolitan Police to document arrests involving federal agents. • The ACLU of DC expressed deep disappointment, arguing the emergency legislation was essential for transparency during federal-local law enforcement interactions. • This veto highlights tensions over federal oversight in the capital, potentially affecting accountability in joint operations.

• The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform advanced nine bills on March 19, 2026, to safeguard American taxpayers and ensure efficient use of federal funds. • Key measures include H.R. 7934 requiring agencies to publish settlement agreements online, doubling whistleblower cash awards to $20,000, and mandating Treasury reports on fiscal risks from crises amid $38 trillion debt. • Legislation reforms FFATA for accurate USAspending.gov data and recognizes special districts for federal aid, addressing unreported funds including national security spending.

• The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its March 2026 Report to Congress on March 12, 2026, with primary recommendations focused on home and community-based services (HCBS) workforce challenges. • The report recommends that states be required to report hourly wages paid to HCBS workers to better align payment rates with frontline compensation and enable cross-state wage comparisons. • The report also examines behavioral health in Medicaid, the Medicaid Expansion Children's Health Insurance Program, Medicaid's role for justice-involved youth, and coverage for children in foster care.

• American Oversight marked Sunshine Week 2026 with three victories forcing Trump administration and local governments to preserve records over the past year. • Wins advanced government accountability through legal actions ensuring compliance with transparency laws. • Identified three major threats to openness, emphasizing ongoing risks to public access amid political developments.

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced a full committee markup on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00am ET, to consider multiple bills aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars and improving government accountability. The legislation includes reforms to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requiring annual reporting on unreported funds, including national security spending, and mandates federal agencies to publish settlement agreement details like dates, payments, and attorney fees in public databases. These measures address long-standing concerns over inefficient federal spending and lack of transparency, potentially saving billions by ensuring accurate data on USAspending.gov. The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act would also define special districts in law and require OMB guidance for their eligibility for federal grants.