President Trump used his recent State of the Union address to make a case for a substantial investment in infrastructure. One word he wisely did not use was “earmark.” Earmarks … READ MORE
Oversight
Fixer Upper: Fannie Mae Edition, New $171 Million Home Will “Make Lobby Shops Jealous”
During the housing crisis in 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, unable to meet their financial obligations, were taken over by the federal government. Ten years later, they are still … READ MORE
Shutdown For What?
The capitol hill bar specials are over. The cable news countdown clocks are reset for the next shutdown showdown. Non-essential employees are needed once again...at least for three weeks. … READ MORE
Billions of Waste Uncovered in New Farm Bill Report
Representative Steve Russell (R-OK) recently released his eighth edition of ‘Waste Watch - his version of the Wastebook which has highlighted billions in wasted taxpayer dollars. His latest report focuses … READ MORE
Congressmen Use Founding Fathers to Justify “Favor Factory” for the Well-Connected
This week, the House Rules Committee held hearings about potentially bringing back earmarks, or as many members like to call them, “congressionally directed spending.” Few points were made more than … READ MORE
What if Earmarkers had Jobs in the Real World?
The House is holding hearings this week about the return of the earmarking process. People in the pro-earmark camp will roll out flimsy defenses such as, “the power of the … READ MORE
Here’s What Congress Will Try to Accomplish in 2018 and the Likelihood of It Happening
After accomplishing a major overhaul of the tax code to end 2017, the Republican controlled Congress needs to figure out what to do in 2018. Their agenda could include a … READ MORE
Congress Unintentionally Admits It Has No Idea Where Defense Money Goes
Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the status of the Pentagon’s financial audit. While taxpayers should be elated that an audit of the Pentagon is finally … READ MORE