Representative Steve Russell releases ‘Waste Watch No. 4’ detailing over $75 billion in government waste.
The report, released by Rep. Steve Russell’s office, is the fourth of its kind and details over “$75 billion worth of waste, cost overruns, and other misspending.”
The 20-page report documents numerous examples of projects that lack oversight, and are “Borderline criminal,” Rep. Russell says.
Though Russell outlines many wasteful projects, none come close to the USDA’s funding of moonshine.
A Virginia distillery received $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture “to process and market value-added spirits” and “expand the customer base.”
The report notes that the grant to the Virginia distillery is not the only one of its kind awarded to alcoholic beverage producers. “The USDA awarded a total of 258 “value-added producer grants” to agriculture-related businesses in 2015. Out of the 258 grants, 41 of them—about one in six—were awarded to breweries, wineries, and distilleries. A total of $4,699,944 was given to these businesses to expand their businesses and markets.”
Other highlights of the report include billions in federal funds for new farmers, $60 billion for a military space launch program many say is failing, and $35,000 to bring solar power to a Michigan brewery.
Read all of the report’s findings here.
