Rand Paul Releases Annual ‘Festivus’ List of Wasteful Government Spending

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

This included $4.8 million on influencers, $2.1 million for Paraguayan border security, a $12 million Las Vegas pickleball complex, and $32,596 on breakdancing.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) released on Dec. 24 his annual “Festivus” list of wasteful government spending in the past year.

“Festivus” is a reference from the iconic TV show “Seinfeld” where the late Jerry Stiller celebrated a holiday of grievances during the Christmas season.

“Last Festivus, we bemoaned the national debt nearing $34 trillion. In just a year, Washington’s career politicians and bureaucrats have managed to push it beyond $36 trillion—unsurprisingly, with hardly a second thought,” said Paul in the report.

Paul highlighted more than $1 trillion in wasteful spending that included $10 billion on leasing, maintaining, and furnishing almost entirely empty buildings; $4.8 million on influencers; $2.1 million for Paraguayan border security; a $12 million Las Vegas pickleball complex; and $32,596 on breakdancing.

It also consisted of $345,434 on football engagement to counter terrorism; a $700 million COVID pandemic-era loan to a failed trucking company; and $10,000 for an ice skate cabaret show centered on climate change.

“Who’s to blame for our crushing national debt? Everybody,” Paul said.

The national debt is more than $36 trillion.

“This year, members of both political parties in Congress voted for massive spending bills filled with subsidies for underperforming industries, continued military aid to Ukraine, and controversial climate initiatives,” Paul said. “As Congress spends to reward its favored pet projects, the American taxpayers are forced to pay through high prices and crippling interest rates.”

The incoming Trump administration will have an outside group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to advise the White House on cutting wasteful spending and regulations in the federal government.

“As always, taking the path to fiscal responsibility is often a lonely journey, but I’ve been fighting government waste like DOGE before DOGE was cool. And I will continue my fight against government waste this holiday season,” Paul said.

While he has yet to comment on the report itself, Musk highlighted Paul’s work by sharing posts about it on X.

By Jackson Richman

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

ChatGPT Goes Biblical about End Times!

There are some truly outstanding internet content creators, or...

Epstein’s Niece Exposes the Illuminati!

There is a shocking interview by the podcaster Shaun Attwood, an English former ecstasy trafficker turned YouTube podcaster, speaker, activist, and author.

When Gynocrats Attack: Innocent Locker Room Talk Interrupted By Rabid Karen

The question posed: “Who do you think has a...

Obama’s Treason is a Betrayal of American Democracy and Demands Real Accountability

Few scandals have cast a longer shadow than the 2016 Russia investigation—the manufactured crisis by President Obama designed to cripple Trump's presidency.

Chronic Grievous Insufficiency

A president's physical vigor, stamina, and mental acuity are essential to his ability to fulfill the duties of office and those qualities should matter with no regard to party affiliation.

US Witnessing ‘CapEx Comeback’ as Investment Wave Hits Economy: Treasury

The U.S. economy is experiencing a “CapEx Comeback” this year as private-sector investment soars, the Treasury Department said.

What to Know About New ‘Visa Integrity Fee’

New refundable “Visa Integrity Fee” for foreign nationals applying for nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States.

Oregon High School Athletes File First Amendment Lawsuit Over Podium Protest

AFPI filed lawsuit for Oregon high school athletes, alleging OSAA violated their First Amendment rights by punishing their peaceful protest of boy competing in girls’ event.

Professional Wrestling Legend, Hulk Hogan, Dies at 71

Hulk Hogan, former WWE superstar and one of the most recognizable figures in the sports entertainment industry, has died at 71 years old.

Odds of U.S.-EU Trade Deal Are 50–50 Ahead of Tariff Deadline: Trump

President Donald Trump said there’s a 50–50 chance that the United States will finalize a trade deal with the European Union before an Aug. 1 deadline.

Trump Pulls Habba’s Nomination for New Jersey’s Top Prosecutor, Making Her Acting US Attorney

President Trump withdrew his nomination of Alina Habba to serve as NJ’s top federal prosecutor, making her Acting US Attorney.

Trump Says He Wants Musk’s Companies to ‘Thrive Like Never Before’

On Thursday, President Trump said, “I want Elon, and all businesses within our Country, to THRIVE, in fact, THRIVE like never before!”

DOJ Forms Strike Force to Assess DNI Findings on Russia Collusion Allegations

DOJ is forming task force following the declassification of docs that shed light on origins of false claims that Trump won 2016 election with Russia’s help.
spot_img

Related Articles