Transparency (Open Budget Index) 81/100
The Government of the United States provides the public with extensive budget information.
Public Participation 69/100
The Government of the United States provides the public with adequate opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 85/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in the United States is adequate.
By auditor 100/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in the United States is adequate.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
The United States should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency:
- Produce and publish a Citizens Budget for its Executive’s Budget Proposal.
- Increase the comprehensiveness of the Enacted Budget by, for instance, presenting information on all expenditures, revenues, and debt.
Improving Participation
The United States should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish formal regulations that oblige the executive to engage with the public during each stage of the budget cycle.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to participate in audit investigations.
Improving Oversight
The United States should prioritize the following to strengthen budget oversight:
- Ensure legislators approve the annual budget before the start of the fiscal year.