Has the U.S. Government Finally Spent Too Much?
When COVID-19 arrived in America, Uncle Sam was already deep in debt.
When COVID-19 arrived in America, Uncle Sam was already deep in debt.
Even if it's true, taxpayers paid $58,000 for each saved job.
A program designed to keep workers on payrolls showered benefits on lobbyists, advocacy groups, and even members of Congress.
Debt held by the public equals about 100 percent of GDP. That's hurting growth and will fuel a major crisis.
Do you appreciate the incompetence, in-fighting, obstructionism, authoritarianism, and waste that you pay for?
As much as $1.4 billion might have been paid to deceased Americans. The IRS says that money must be returned.
We should celebrate our fandom on our own dime, and on our own property.
Members of Congress may have benefited from small business funds, and government watchdogs are warning that the program appears susceptible to fraud.
An economic response to COVID-19 that's fiscally responsible.
The Reason Roundtable discusses Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's 60 Minutes admission, as well as the Libertarian Party presidential race post-Justin Amash
Most of the items included in the CDC's 2021 budget request are important, serious matters. But many have nothing to do with the agency's mission.
The new bill includes another round of stimulus checks for all Americans, funds additional coronavirus testing, and spends billions to bail out states and government agencies straining under pension debt.
Before spending another dollar, Congress should make sure someone is keeping an eye how the largest pile of government cash in American history is being spent.
New funding and new powers haven't made government bureaucracies more competent.
The libertarian-leaning congressman says the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses discriminates against those that most need it.
It's obvious that there will be more government spending in response to the coronavirus, but distinguishing the essential from the nice-to-have is more important than ever.
"The more we lock down the economy, the more we harm those individuals who are most vulnerable, who don't have the cash cushions or the white-collar jobs that allow them to keep going."
The deal primarily sets aside $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses.
And more coronavirus stimulus spending could send that number soaring higher.
Unclear terms, unrealistic loan forgiveness, a site unprepared for launch, and a bottomless demand for cash
Glenn Fine was abruptly removed from his post without explanation.
President Donald Trump, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi all agree that a fourth spending bill will happen in April but are haggling over the cost.
The election committees of both parties use the same language to attack Rep. Justin Amash (I–Mich.).
The Club for Growth prides itself on holding lawmakers accountable "by publicizing their voting record." Except, well…not right now.
"We have the capacity to keep this contained," Mayor Bill de Blasio told New Yorkers on March 2.
A lot of industries and individuals are suffering right now. A select few corporations are getting big bailouts.
Plus: civic dynamism on display, Justice Department embraces home detainment of federal prisoners, and more...
Plus: COVID-19 in prisons and jails, Trump campaign threatens TV stations, state disparities in new coronavirus cases, and more...
"Americans need fast, direct relief," says Justin Amash.
The public transit bailout is spiraling out of control.
Lawmakers are still seeking a compromise.
The coronavirus is going to crater tax revenues and hike spending. And the Congressional Budget Office says the deficit was going to exceed $1 trillion even before all that.
It requires companies to allow its workers to take paid sick leave, unless the business employs more than 500 people. What?
The disease will leave behind a residue of laws, spending, and precedents for future government actions.
The House bill seems to be more focused on leveraging political points than fighting coronavirus. Republicans can relate.
If it works at all (and it usually doesn't), a fiscal stimulus is meant to boost demand. The biggest potential economic problem from coronavirus has to do with supply.
There was a deficit of debt talk at the conservative conference.
Instead of taking a little off the top, Trump needs to give farm subsidies a buzz cut.
"Absent policy changes, the federal government continues to face an unsustainable long-term fiscal path," America's top auditor warns. But is anyone listening?
Federal outlays per person have increased $1,441 since 2016, to a grand total of $14,652 per person.
It’s a testament to fiscal irresponsibility.
Plus: Josh Hawley's latest terrible idea, sex work divides NOW, Gary Johnson's 2020 endorsement, and more...
The federal government is not a good steward of your money.
The president likes things big, so that apparently applies to government budgets too.
The "Moving Forward Framework" includes some sensible reforms alongside expensive, dubious policy proposals.
The Government Accountability Office says Trump's spending delay was illegal.