The Fox News Rundown

Why Taxpayers are Losing Billions (and How to Fix It)

Feb 11, 2026
Senator James Lankford, Oklahoma Republican focused on government oversight, explains how improper federal payments and fraud are bleeding taxpayers. He discusses AI-enabled scams, GAO findings on hundreds of billions lost, and fixes like better documentation, AI analytics, and stronger inspector general oversight. Short, urgent conversation about accountability and practical reforms.
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INSIGHT

Massive Untracked Federal Losses

  • The federal government may be losing hundreds of billions yearly to fraud and improper payments according to GAO estimates.
  • Sen. James Lankford stresses the government lacks basic documentation and accounting to know if payments are correct.
ADVICE

Use Pre-Verification And AI Checks

  • Implement common debarment and do-not-pay checks across agencies to stop repeat offenders from receiving new contracts.
  • Use AI analytics and modern accounting to flag suspicious payments like private credit-card fraud alerts do.
INSIGHT

Healthcare Drives Most Improper Payments

  • Healthcare (Medicare/Medicaid) is the largest source of improper payments and fraud.
  • Sen. James Lankford and CMS actions show stronger analytics and inspector generals are needed in health programs.
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