Horizon cutting-room links: Wednesday, 23 July 2025

"OMB seeks ‘strategic reset’ of financial statement audits," Federal News Network

OMB is initiating a strategic reset of financial statement audits to enhance accountability and oversight across federal agencies. This move comes in response to significant challenges faced by agencies in achieving clean financial audits, with only 18 CFO Act agencies receiving unqualified opinions for the first time in nearly twenty years. OMB's proposed changes aim to streamline audit processes and ensure taxpayer resources are effectively managed.

• OMB plans to update Circular A-136, which sets expectations for financial audits, shifting towards a single-year audit approach to focus on current-year activities.
• The initiative seeks to address the underlying causes of improper payments and waste, aiming to integrate audit results with program oversight and performance management.
• Former OMB officials have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of audits, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure that agencies derive value from their financial oversight efforts.

"White House removes Wall Street Journal from Scotland press pool over Epstein bombshell," Politico

The White House has removed the Wall Street Journal from its press pool for an upcoming trip to Scotland, following the publication of an article that included sensitive information regarding President Trump's interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.

• The White House has taken control of pool rotations and has removed the Wall Street Journal from the trip manifest due to what it describes as "fake and defamatory conduct."
• CBS News' Weijia Jiang criticized the removal, calling it an attempt to punish a media outlet for its reporting, which raises concerns about government retaliation against the press.
• President Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Journal, seeking at least $10 billion in damages over a report regarding his controversial birthday message to Epstein, which the newspaper stands by as accurate.

"95,000 D.C. residents at risk of losing Medicaid due to Trump bill," Axios

Approximately 95,000 DC residents may lose their Medicaid as a result of the Republican spending bill. This legislation is set to impose strict work requirements that could significantly impact the health and well-being of a substantial portion of the city’s low-income population. With the DC Council also considering budget measures that would further reduce Medicaid enrollment, the implications for health services and funding in the region are dire.

• About 32 percent of DC's Medicaid recipients are affected by the new law, which mandates that residents ages 19-64 must document 80 hours of work or service each month to remain eligible for Medicaid.
• The legislation could also lead to funding threats for hospitals and clinics, potentially resulting in broader healthcare access issues across the region.
• Maryland is projected to see 175,000 people lose Medicaid coverage due to similar legislation, while Virginia estimates a loss of around 166,000 individuals, underscoring the widespread impact of these policy changes.

"U.S. Visa Sticker Shock: New $250 ‘Integrity Fee’," Skift

International travelers applying for US tourist visas should brace themselves for a new $250 “Integrity Fee,” part of a recent budget law. As the US already faces declining international arrivals, this additional fee may deter potential visitors by significantly raising the cost of obtaining a visa.

• The new “Integrity Fee” adds at least $250 to existing visa costs, potentially increasing the overall expenses of visiting the U.S. by 144%.
• The application fee for the I-94 arrival and departure record will rise from $6 to $24, with adjustments for inflation each year.
• The ESTA fee for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries will increase to $40, further contributing to the financial burden on international visitors.