On March 20, 2025, the White House issued an executive order aimed at improving government efficiency by enhancing data access among federal agencies. The order highlights the importance of eliminating ‘information silos’ that impede collaboration and data sharing between agencies, as these barriers can lead to waste, fraud, and abuse in government operations. Agency heads are responsible for ensuring that federal officials have timely access to unclassified records and are required to review existing regulations that hinder information sharing.

The directive instructs agencies to assess their guidance and regulations within 30 days to promote the sharing of unclassified data among themselves and with state programs that receive federal funding. Importantly, the order also stresses the necessity for the Department of Labor to have full access to unemployment data and payment records, thereby strengthening the government’s capacity to monitor and resolve financial discrepancies. Furthermore, it calls for a review of classified information policies, emphasizing that classification levels should not exceed what is essential for national security.

In summary, this executive order represents a crucial advancement towards streamlining federal operations by fostering better data access and sharing practices. By tackling existing obstacles and promoting collaboration, the administration aims to enhance the government’s ability to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and fraudulent activities. This initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and accountability within government processes.

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