Great! Even if you disagree, just the existence of a Gov standard will:
1) Create a minimal common language for all sites that the citizens are forced to use. Now we can all can use these patterns in our sites knowing that more users will know them. Remember that software isn't intuitive, but familiar: http://www.asktog.com/papers/raskinintuit.html
2) Force software developers for public services to put up a minimal decent interface, instead of just a list of features.
1) Create a minimal common language for all sites that the citizens are forced to use. Now we can all can use these patterns in our sites knowing that more users will know them. Remember that software isn't intuitive, but familiar: http://www.asktog.com/papers/raskinintuit.html
2) Force software developers for public services to put up a minimal decent interface, instead of just a list of features.
The best page is their Design Principles: https://standards.usa.gov/design-principles/