Why is it important for Government spending data to be publicly available?
Publishing spending data demonstrates to taxpayers where Federal dollars are being spent. By providing the spending data to the public, in a way that is easily accessible and searchable, taxpayers gain a better understanding of who the funds are being awarded to, for what purpose, and what is achieved as a result of the funding. This enables the public to hold the Government more accountable for its spending and encourages Federal agencies to identify and implement ways to make their spending as efficient and effective as possible. The Government’s commitment to transparency is demonstrated by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-282) that requires Federal agencies to make spending data available to the public.
