Government Efficiency Push: Pentagon Audits Contracts While Congress Shutdown Costs Economy Growth

Welcome to your Weekly Government Efficiency Update, listeners. As Washington grapples with fiscal chaos, is DC still pumping out your tax dollars like there's no tomorrow? Let's dive into the latest. First, the Department of War—yes, that's the new name under Secretary Hegseth—is launching a massive audit of all contracts over $20 million, including 8(a) sole-source and small business set-asides. PilieroMazza reports that by February 28, they'll review performance data for subcontracting compliance, terminate non-essential deals for convenience, and flag pass-through abuse for the Inspector General and DOJ. The goal? Slash waste, redirect funds to warfighting, and deliver a leaner FY2027 budget, per the DOW DOGE memo tying back to last year's efficiency push. Meanwhile, Congress fumbled again: The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget notes Homeland Security funding lapsed February 14, sparking yet another partial shutdown after January's mess and last fall's record 43-day standoff. These breakdowns, Federal Reserve Governor Waller said in his February 23 speech, shaved a full percentage point off Q4 2025 GDP growth while artificially boosting Q1 2026—your money down the drain on political gridlock. On a brighter note, the SEC's Division of Enforcement updated its manual today, February 24, per their press release, streamlining Wells processes with four-week timelines for submissions and meetings, plus simultaneous settlement and waiver reviews to cut red tape and speed resolutions. OPM's proposed rule in the Federal Register aims to sharpen performance appraisals for federal workers, weeding out inefficiency. DOGE initiatives are biting, but shutdowns scream business as usual. Listeners, demand better—efficiency or bust. Thank you for tuning in, and please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.