April 15 (17th this year due to the 15th being a Sunday, and Monday a federal holiday, Emancipation Day) is Tax Day. The Trump Administration sees Tax Day as an … READ MORE
Government waste
The DC Cocktail Party Effect
Colin Cherry, a British Cognitive scientist, ran a series of examinations in 1953 to learn about a selective attention phenomenon known as the “cocktail party” effect. The cocktail party effect … READ MORE
Congress’s Ironic Vote On Balanced Budget
The House of Representatives voted to amend the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced budget, but failed Thursday 233-184. It is an idea that’s been around since the 1970’s and has … READ MORE
Congress To Federal Agencies: Did You Get The Memo
The federal government is a colossal and complex entity that is anything but efficient. Fortunately, the federal government employs thousands of accountants to help federal agencies and programs run as … READ MORE
The Document Washington Hopes Millennials Won’t Read
One of the most important documents for younger Americans to know about is also one of the longest, dryest, and most boring to read. Go figure. It is the Congressional … READ MORE
There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
You’ve probably heard the phrase “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.” The phrase dates back to when pubs used to entice customers with free lunches in order … READ MORE
It’s Official: No More Taxpayer Funded Portraits
Last week, President Trump signed the Eliminating Government-funded Oil-painting Act (EGO Act) that bans federal agencies from using taxpayer dollars to pay for portrait paintings of Federal officials. The ban … READ MORE
Bipartisan Bills Would Permanently Ban Earmarks
An unsavory refrain that has been kicked around on Capitol Hill mere weeks after the 2016 elections has to do with the banning of earmarks--a line-item provision added to appropriations … READ MORE