The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) has released its biennial Baker’s Dozen report coinciding with the commencement of the 118th Congress’s two-year term. This edition presents 13 critical recommendations aimed at bolstering effectiveness, ethicality, and accountability within the U.S. federal government. POGO’s report is expansive, addressing the wide array of challenges faced by legislative and executive policymakers, and is rooted in the organization’s commitment to upholding justice and equity.
The 2023 recommendations put forth by POGO address several key areas. These include improving the tracking and measurement of federal spending to ensure the effectiveness of programs, fostering competition among small businesses for federal contracts, and advocating for responsible expenditure at the Pentagon. Recommendations also emphasize the importance of adherence to ethical standards across all government branches and the need for transparent oversight of internal watchdogs.
POGO’s report calls for stronger measures to counter abuses of national security powers and to prevent the U.S. financial systems from shielding corrupt actors from due sanctions and accountability. Additionally, it suggests that while legislative actions are essential for lasting reform, the executive branch also plays a vital role in implementing proposed policies and leading by example in areas where Congress might not act promptly.
The report details the necessity of ethical leadership and its impact on public trust in government. It underlines the damage caused by unethical behavior and even the appearance of impropriety in eroding trust and legitimacy, which can, in turn, affect government program efficacy, national security, and economic and civic stability.
For instance, the report touches on the current state of government ethics programs across the three federal branches, suggesting the need for enhancement. It highlights the absence of comprehensive conflict-of-interest requirements within Congress, as well as the need for stricter regulations concerning stock trading by members of Congress. The report identifies similar issues in the judiciary, where recent revelations suggest conflicts of interest may have influenced case outcomes, recommending Congress to enact statutory bans if necessary.
The executive branch also faces challenges, particularly the exemption of the president and vice president from the conflict-of-interest law. Furthermore, there is a call for more effective enforcement mechanisms, especially for political appointees, to ensure compliance with ethics laws and regulations. The report discusses concerns about unequal enforcement and the potential for implicit bias, as evidenced by the varied consequences political appointees face for similar violations.
In summary, the Baker’s Dozen report serves as a comprehensive guide for the 118th Congress, proposing a series of actions that, if implemented, aim to progress towards a more accountable and trustworthy government. POGO extends an offer to collaborate with Congressional members and executive branch officials to realize these recommendations.
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