Duplication Scoring Act of 2026

Summary

Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to check, when practicable, whether bills or joint resolutions reported by congressional committees would create new federal programs, offices, or initiatives that duplicate or overlap with items identified in GAO’s prior duplication-and-overlap reports. GAO must identify the potential duplicate, cite the bill language and the earlier GAO report, send the information to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the reporting committee, and publish it online. Permits the CBO Director to attach GAO’s findings as a supplement to CBO cost estimates (subject to timing rules). The measure takes effect on the earlier of 60 days after the Office of Management and Budget next updates certain website information or the first day of the Congress that begins after one year from enactment.

• Requires GAO to check committee-reported bills for new programs/offices that duplicate previously identified federal activities.
• GAO must identify the duplicate risk, cite bill language and the prior GAO report, inform CBO and the reporting committee, and publish the findings online.
• CBO may attach GAO’s findings as a supplement to its cost estimates; timing rules allow supplements after initial estimates if GAO reporting is late.
• GAO’s obligation is limited by the phrase "to the extent practicable," giving GAO discretion based on capacity and timing.
• No new funding or prohibition on creating new programs is included; the measure focuses on transparency and informational reporting.
• Effective date is tied to an OMB website update or the start of a subsequent Congress after one year, whichever comes first.
• The change increases procedural oversight and may influence legislative drafting by highlighting duplicative proposals.
• The requirement applies only to bills and public joint resolutions reported by committees, not to all legislative activity.