The WasteWatcher
The WasteWatcherFederal Government – The Ideal Tenant?
Apparently, the federal government has an aversion to commitment, at least in terms of property. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released on January 24, 2008, for the first time in history the federal government is...
The WasteWatcher“Emergency” Supplementals
“Hope for the best, but plan for the worst” is the approach most Americans try to take when it comes to setting aside funds for a rainy day. For the government, however, national emergencies, and the supplemental appropriations bills that tend to...
The WasteWatcherPentagon’s Travel System Still Grounded
There are a lot of reasons to complain about air travel: overbooking, rising costs, delays, cancellations, uncomfortable seats, and rude passengers, among others. With all of these hassles, travelers do have a plethora of online travel services to...
The WasteWatcherEarmarks Invade DC
An op-ed in the May 17 Washington Post by Colbert King showed that earmarks know no boundaries. King cited $56 million in projects in the District of Columbia’s budget that were “initiated and approved by the [city] council without extensive...
The WasteWatcherThe Government’s Net Loss
Government involvement in the private sector and technology has been a disaster. The technology industry is a dynamic, fast-moving industry delivering new products to consumers every day and the government is struggling to perform even the most...
The WasteWatcherExtreme Makeover: San Joaquin River
How much should it cost to restore salmon to a river? Try $22 million per salmon under legislation that is moving through Congress.
The WasteWatcherFill’er Up with Politics
The Air Force refueling tanker saga started with a provision added to the fiscal 2002 Defense Appropriations Act directing the Air Force to lease 100 Boeing 767’s for new fuel tankers. It was not only one of the worst examples of corporate welfare...
The WasteWatcherCoconut Road Outrage
An update on the ongoing drama associated with what CAGW has dubbed “the immaculate earmark.”
The WasteWatcherWhat’s In Your Wallet? Free Goodies Courtesy of Taxpayers
In an audit of federal employees’ use of credit cards, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found some shocking charges with a debatable relationship to necessary costs. For example, during more than 15 consecutive months between 2004 and...
The WasteWatcherHome, Home on the Range, Where the Big Railroad Companies Graze Or South Dakotans Should Choo Choo Choose Their Own Destiny
When one thinks of western South Dakota, one imagines sweeping vistas and beautiful ranches. However, the Dakota, Minnesota, & Eastern Railroad (DM&E) is threatening to grab massive swaths of this beautiful private land in western South...
The WasteWatcherEurope Assaults U.S. Businesses
As the global economy slows, every effort should be made to encourage businesses to invest, innovate, and market their products around the world. Unfortunately for taxpayers and investors, European regulators are abusing their power in a manner...
The WasteWatcherMoran-ic Statements
Rep. James “Jim” Moran (D-Va.), a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, has threatened to play politics with the defense bill following President Bush’s promise to veto any bill that does not cut the cost and number of earmarks in...
