Story perspectives

Congress Targets $2 Trillion Deficit by Reducing Federal Waste

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States faces about $2 trillion in annual deficits, making federal waste elimination a priority for Congress.
Federal waste results from misallocated funds due to outdated information and COVID-era vulnerabilities.
States administering Medicaid and SNAP must ensure beneficiary eligibility.
Congress should mandate use of three databases: Death Master File, the National Directory of New Hires, and the Public Assistance Reporting Information System to reduce fraud and waste.

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Story summary

The United States faces about $2 trillion in annual deficits, making federal waste elimination a priority for Congress.
Federal waste results from misallocated funds due to outdated information and COVID-era vulnerabilities.
States administering Medicaid and SNAP must ensure beneficiary eligibility.
Congress should mandate use of three databases: Death Master File, the National Directory of New Hires, and the Public Assistance Reporting Information System to reduce fraud and waste.