This week on the GovNavigators Show, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins us to unpack the Trump administration’s rapid-fire push to modernize the IRS—and what gets lost when speed outruns strategy. Drawing on decades of federal service, including senior roles at OMB and DOJ, Danny reflects on his team’s detailed IRS transformation plan, contrasts it with today’s approach, and raises big questions about transparency, workforce cuts, and cybersecurity risks. Plus, a bonus deep dive into the future of financial reporting under M-25-30, the limits of paperwork-based oversight, and why civics literacy might be the government’s most underrated reform tool.

Show Notes 

OMB: M-25-30

IRS: IRS FY25 Budget Justification 

JHS: Johns Hopkins School of Government and Policy

GAO: GAO Report on IRS IT Modernization

The GovNavigators prepare for Independence Day weekend in this special pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show. Unfortunately, leadership in Congress likely won't be enjoying the fireworks, as the administration insists everyone stay in town until the "Big, Beautiful Bill" is on the President's desk. Meanwhile, Russ Vought calls for a shakeup in federal auditing, and HUD gets a new headquarters.

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Karen Kerrigan, head of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, shares insights from 30 years at the forefront of small business advocacy. From tax uncertainty and regulatory challenges to the promise of technology and smarter federal procurement, Karen breaks down what small businesses need now—and what policymakers can do to help.

Show Notes

 SBE: Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council 

SBA: Small Business Administration

CTA: Corporate Transparency Act

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Doug Criscitello, Program Integrity Fellow at Arnold Ventures, returns to unpack the resurgence of impoundment in the federal budget discourse. Doug sheds light on the Impoundment Control Act’s history and relevance, explains why the GAO is investigating 39 potential violations, and breaks down the tension between Executive authority and the Legislature’s power of the purse. From rescission packages to apportionments and Anti-Deficiency Act risks, Doug offers a clear-eyed take on what lies ahead for agencies and appropriators as fiscal pressures mount.

Show Notes

Arnold Ventures: Doug’s Webinar on Impoundment

ICA: Impoundment Control Act of 1974

GAO: Ruling on DOT Impoundment

Rescission Package Passed by the House

Dominic Pino’s Op-Ed in the Washington Post

ADA: The Antideficiency Act of 1870

Events on the GovNavigator’s Radar

June 17th, 2025: Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals

June 25th, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Soraya Correa, President and CEO of National Industries for the Blind and a longtime leader in federal acquisition, joins the show to reflect on her career and what's next for procurement reform. Soraya shares stories from her time building the Procurement Innovation Lab at DHS, offers a no-nonsense take on the FAR overhaul, and explains why empowering contracting officers—and bridging the gap between government and industry—matters more than ever.

Show Notes
JWOD: Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act
PIL: Procurement Innovation Lab
EO: Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement 

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
June 10, 2025: Arnold Ventures event on Impoundment 
June 11, 2025: House Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Reforming Defense Procurement 

June 25, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum 

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Charles Cooper, Managing Partner and Founder of the Brumidi Group, returns to offer his no-nonsense forecast for what’s next on Capitol Hill. From budget reconciliation drama and appropriations gridlock to tariff tensions and the 2026 election, Charles breaks down the policy, politics, and personalities shaping the months ahead—and why even a missed vote could change everything.

Show Notes
OMB: Technical Supplement to the 2026 Budget
GAO: DOT and the Impoundment Act

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
June 3, 2025:

• Forum Global’s USA AI Summit 
• Carahsoft’s Customer Experience and Engagement Summit

June 5, 2025: Committee on oversight AI in Government Hearing  

June 6, 2025: ACT-IAC's Health Innovation Summit

June 25, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum 

The GovNavigators take a moment to honor Memorial Day and reflect on the sacrifices made in service to our country. With Congress narrowly advancing a reconciliation package before the long weekend, Robert and Adam also remember longtime good government champion Gerry Connolly.

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Joshua Seawell, Head of Policy at the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, joins to break down the thinking behind the Abundance Agenda. Joshua shares how this emerging framework blends high-return public investment with regulatory reform to tackle challenges in housing, energy, AI, and government modernization. 

Show Notes
GAO: 2025 Annual Report
Book: Abundance, by  Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
EPRA: Energy Permitting Reform Act 

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
May 21, 2025: GovNavigators Webinar with National Journal
May 22, 2025: PSC's FedHealth Conference

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Justin Baer, Senior Vice President at Fors Marsh, returns to share his perspective on the future of federal evaluation. Drawing from his recent article, Justin outlines why traditional approaches to evidence building are falling short—and what needs to change. 

Show Notes
GovExec: The Baer Method: A Roadmap for Agile Evidence Building 

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
May 13: AGA's Performance Counts Summit
May 22: PSC's FedHealth Conference

This week on the GovNavigators Show, former Comptroller General David M. Walker joins to discuss his tenure leading the Government Accountability Office and his mission to drive lasting reform across the federal government. He reflects on how he transformed GAO into a more efficient, strategically focused agency and makes the case for why the rest of government must follow suit.

Show Notes
GSA: OneGov Strategy for IT

Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
May 4-6: ACT-IAC's Emerging Technology & Innovation Conference
May 5-9: Public Service Recognition Week
May 7: AABPA Panel on Budget and Performance 
May 13: AGA’s Performance Counts Summit