Budget Watchdog All Federal Taxpayers For Common Sense

Lawmakers in the 118th Congress again have the power to “bringing home the bacon” with federal dollars to specific projects in their home states and districts. Has transparency worked to provide scrutiny and limit potential abuse? TCS  Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell and TCS Research Associate Chris Howe-Smith join host Steve Ellis for a critical update on Earmarks (see: Congressionally Directed Funding ).

What is the role of the federal government in responding to disaster, particularly when the tragedy is manmade? TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by Michael Surrusco and Chris Howe-Smith for a discussion about the Baltimore bridge collapse and the financial impact on taxpayers. 

Budget Watchdog AF considers President Biden’s $7.3 Trillion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request. A budget that proposes a 4.5% cut in discretionary spending from the previous fiscal year and a reduction in budget deficits by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. But how rosy are the economic growth projections upon which this budget request is built?  And what gimmicks are baked in there to create illusions in the out years? TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Director of Policy and Research Josh Sewell and Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy.

The impasse in the divided and chaotic U.S. Congress over funding of the federal government has reached another inflection point. Join TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell for a look at the costs and implications for taxpayers. 

Are farm subsidies wasteful spending? What impact will new economic data have on the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization? TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell and Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Korth get their hands dirty coming up with answers. 

The Biden administration's National Defense Industrial Strategy will significantly impact taxpayers. Is the aim to strengthen US defense capabilities or put America on a permanent war footing? The NDIS contains contradictions, especially considering taxpayers will soon pay more each year to service the nation's debt than on the military. Hit play to hear TCS National Security Analyst Gabe Murphy and host Steve Ellis explain the details and why Congress should scrutinize the NDIS and its potential impact on taxpayers.