The Practice of Evidence-Based Policymaking in the United States Federal Government

Since enacting the Foundation for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act), the U.S. federal government has strengthened the cross-agency foundations of evidence-based policymaking (EBPM). This paper reviews the history of EBPM in the U.S., outlines the impetus for the Evidence Act, and examines its implementation across various federal government agencies. It reveals what each agency is implementing in practice. It highlights the importance of legal frameworks, civil service systems, and external collaboration efforts. We conclude by assessing the current status, achievements, and challenges of EBPM in the U.S., offering insights for Japan.