From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 40s
Trump Signs Identity Theft and Boondoggle Laws
Trump signs federal laws to improve identity theft victim support and require disclosure of over-budget federal projects.
In brief
Trump signs federal laws to improve identity theft victim support and require disclosure of over-budget federal projects. President Trump signed two laws: one creating a single point of contact for Social Security identity theft victims and another mandating public disclosure of taxpayer-funded projects over budget or…
Trump Signs Identity Theft Law
President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5345, the Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act, on October 7, 2026.
“In recent years, the theft and misuse of Social Security numbers has become a serious problem in our country.”
New Identity Theft Support
The law requires the Social Security Administration to establish a single point of contact for people whose Social Security numbers were misused in ways involving benefits or records.
“For victims, the fallout can be overwhelming.”
Identity Theft Cases
The law covers people whose Social Security cards are lost while being transmitted to them and requires a team of specially trained SSA employees to track cases through resolution.
“Instead of finding clear guidance at the Social Security Administration to deal with this stressful situation, too many folks are bounced from one office to another.”
Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act
President Trump signed S. 766, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025, on October 7, 2026, requiring annual reporting on over-budget or delayed federal projects.
“A billion dollars over budget isn't a rounding error, it is a trainwreck.”
Project Disclosure Requirements
Agencies must disclose original and revised completion dates, cost estimates, reasons for delays, changes in project scope, and federal funding associated with projects.
“The law does not automatically cancel a project or cut its funding when it crosses one of the thresholds.”
Cost Overruns Identified
Sen. Joni Ernst identified more than $162 billion in cost overruns across federal projects, including the VA health records program at $33.7 billion over budget.
“The VA project at $33.7 billion over its original estimate.”
Implementation Timeline
The identity-theft provision takes effect 180 days after enactment, while the reporting requirements begin moving toward implementation.
“The law does not make SSA the federal government's general identity-theft agency.”
What Happens Next
The Social Security Administration has 180 days before the identity-theft provision takes effect, and agencies must start disclosing over-budget projects by the law's implementation timeline.
“The law does not automatically cancel a project or cut its funding when it crosses one of the thresholds.”
The big picture
President Trump signed two laws: one creating a single point of contact for Social Security identity theft victims and another mandating public disclosure of taxpayer-funded projects over budget or delayed by five years.
