Miller-Meeks, Ernst Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act Passes Congress, Heads to President’s Desk

September 16, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives has given final passage to the bipartisan Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, legislation led by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) requiring public disclosure of taxpayer-funded projects that are more than $1 billion over budget or more than five years behind schedule. The House originally passed H.R. 1722, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, in July 2026. Both Chambers have now given final approval, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk. “Iowans work hard for their money, and they expect Washington to be a good steward of every taxpayer dollar,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks . “When billion-dollar projects go years over schedule and billions over budget, taxpayers deserve answers and accountability. The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act will shine a light on these financial train wrecks and make sure Congress and the American people know where their money is going. I’m proud to see this bill pass Congress and head to the President’s desk, and I thank Senator Ernst for her partnership in getting this important legislation across the finish line.” “Going a billion dollars over budget isn’t a rounding error—it’s a financial trainwreck at taxpayers’ expense,” said Sen. Ernst. “Taxpayers deserve transparency, and this legislation will shine a light on these boondoggles and hold Washington accountable for its out-of-control spending.” "Congress must ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent efficiently. Every year, there are government projects that are above cost projections or behind schedule. Congress has a duty to root out government waste and mismanagement to protect the American taxpayer. The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act brings transparency to failing government projects to prevent waste of Americans’ tax dollars. I thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for championing this legislation," said House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.). Background: The legislation follows a report from Senator Ernst exposing more than a dozen government projects that collectively racked up $162 billion in cost overruns. Meanwhile, the national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, growing by over $2 trillion in the past year alone, and the Government Accountability Office has documented $2.7 trillion in improper payments by federal agencies since 2003. Some of the worst boondoggles this bill would expose: California High-Speed Rail — more than $150 billion over budget, from an original $33 billion estimate to as much as $231 billion . VA electronic health record system — tripled from $16.1 billion to $49.8 billion, with flaws that may have contributed to veteran deaths. Honolulu Rail Transit — $4.8 billion over budget , with completion slipping from 2020 to 2031. Washington Metro's Purple Line — $3.1 billion over budget and more than five years delayed. Columbus Crossroads corridor — 19 years behind schedule, with costs more than double the original $801 million estimate. Air Force One replacements — billions over budget and years behind schedule. Federal Reserve renovation — up 34% from $1.9 billion to nearly $2.5 billion . Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has been a leading voice in the fight against government waste, fraud, and abuse. She first introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act in the 118th Congress and reintroduced it in the 119th Congress alongside Senator Ernst. To read the full bill text, click HERE . ###