Federal transparency has improved on paper—but GAO says key gaps still undermine accountability and program integrity episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 11 MIN

Federal transparency has improved on paper—but GAO says key gaps still undermine accountability and program integrity

from The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton

Congress and federal agencies have taken steps to improve transparency around spending and programs, but GAO says persistent gaps continue to limit oversight, efficiency and program integrity. From incomplete spending data to FOIA backlogs and missing program inventories, these weaknesses carry real operational consequences. To explain where transparency efforts are falling short and what would make the biggest difference, we’re joined by Jeff Arkin, Director of Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress and federal agencies have taken steps to improve transparency around spending and programs, but GAO says persistent gaps continue to limit oversight, efficiency and program integrity. From incomplete spending data to FOIA backlogs and missing program inventories, these weaknesses carry real operational consequences. To explain where transparency efforts are falling short and what would make the biggest difference, we’re joined by Jeff Arkin, Director of Strategic Issues at the Government Accountability Office. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Federal transparency has improved on paper—but GAO says key gaps still undermine accountability and program integrity

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Congress and federal agencies have taken steps to improve transparency around spending and programs, but GAO says persistent gaps continue to limit oversight, efficiency and program integrity. From incomplete spending data to FOIA backlogs and...

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