Before anyone argues about the chatbot, read the order. This is the clause I’d hold them to: every existing way to reach a federal service stays open, including in person, by phone and by mail. America.gov is supposed to be an extra door, not a replacement for the old ones.
“preserve existing lawful methods by which Americans may obtain Federal services, including in-person, telephone, mail, and agency-specific digital services, so that America.gov provides a better option but does not become the only option.”
And here’s what’s left out. Tax filing, the federal errand people dread most, isn’t covered.
The rest is homework for later. OMB has 90 days to write the implementation memo, and everything is subject to appropriations. That’s where I’d watch for the actual budget.
“The term excludes tax filing services provided by the Internal Revenue Service and services provided by the Department of War and elements of the Intelligence Community.”
