Login.gov, developed by 18F, is a secure sign-on service used by the public to access various government services online. This platform is intended to simplify the user experience while ensuring the security of personal data across multiple federal agencies. However, the integrity and effectiveness of login.gov have been an issue of serious concern as reported by the GSA Office of Inspector General (OIG). In 2016, the OIG report found that 18F did not adhere to rules and procedures, including those related to procurement and security. More alarmingly, a 2023 report indicated that login.gov misled customers regarding its services.

18F began as an experiment under President Obama following the healthcare.gov issues. It aimed to bring more technological expertise into government operations. However, the journey of 18F has been marred by allegations of operating outside its legal and operational scope, including misleading the government about its capabilities and performance, specifically concerning biometric data.

The matter of login.gov's reliability and security is not just an administrative concern but a national issue. With the widespread use of login.gov in various federal agencies, including the IRS, its integrity directly impacts the fight against identity theft and fraud, especially noted in COVID-19 relief programs.

Considering these findings, I wrote an amendment to defund 18F, which has gained bipartisan support among Members of the House Oversight Committee. My actions stem from a deep concern for the stewardship of taxpayer dollars and the efficiency of government services. Furthermore, entities like login.gov and 18F must operate with utmost integrity and effectiveness, ensuring they truly serve the interests of the American people. I am committed to ensuring that the federal government, including its technological operations, is held to the highest standards of accountability.