Budget Watchdog All Federal

Steam Dream: Redesigning a $22 Billion Carrier for Looks Aug 21, 2026

There is an iron law of building complicated things, and it applies to your kitchen renovation exactly the same way it applies to a nuclear-powered warship: the most expensive moment in any project is the moment somebody changes their mind after the work has started.

A new presidential memorandum directs the Navy to plan for ripping electromagnetic catapults out of carriers already under construction and putting steam-powered ones back in. The Washington Post reports the Navy is also quietly studying whether to move the island — the multi-story command tower — from the stern toward the middle of the ship, because that's how World War II carriers looked. Ford-class carriers are projected at $22 billion apiece, and the Navy plans to build up to 10.

Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy to read the fine print. They dig into why the island sits where it sits (stability, safer landings, more sorties), what a steam conversion would actually require — including convincing a manufacturer to restart a production line idle for nearly three decades — and why the USS Doris Miller, already two years behind schedule, could slip into the late 2030s. They also look at the Congressional Budget Office's new score for the Trump-class battleship: $275 billion over 30 years, with the lead ship at $23 billion — more than 31% above the Navy's own estimate from earlier this year. And they ask whether Newport News, the only yard in the country certified to build these ships, can absorb any of it without delaying the Columbia-class subs that carry the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad.

It's not all criticism. Gabe flags the parts of the memorandum a budget watchdog should actually like, including allied shipyard partnerships modeled on the Coast Guard's icebreaker deal with Finland.

America's shipbuilding problem is real. You don't fix a schedule problem by redrawing the blueprints on ships already on the way — and you don't fix a cost problem by ordering a new class of battleships the Navy doesn't want. Proven, reliable, affordable: we'd just like to see the receipts, especially in the week federal debt topped $40 trillion.

Punting on First Down Jul 31, 2026

The House passes a CR with two months left on the clock.

A punt is a concession you make when you've run out of downs. The House made this one on first down. With more than two months left in the fiscal year and none of the twelve appropriations bills finished, it passed a continuing resolution funding the government at fiscal year 2026 levels through December 4th, largely on party lines. Appropriations Chair Tom Cole calls the bill clean. Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell take that word apart. Clean means no partisan poison pills. It does not mean neutral. Extending the current base level for the Pentagon, for the Justice Department, for every agency, is a choice about priorities — just one nobody has to vote on.

Then there's the White House anomalies list, transmitted before every CR. Some items are housekeeping: updating a program date, dropping funding for an inauguration three years away. Others are not. The list includes $1 billion to start building a Trump-class battleship whose design isn't finished — the same concurrent-design approach that produced an F-35 fleet fully mission capable about 30 percent of the time. It includes $3.2 billion in defense-wide procurement justified only by information available at a higher classification. And it would shield unobligated One Big Beautiful Bill Act funds from the standard 8 percent sequestration clawback, while the Pentagon sits on $89 billion of that money unspent and asks separately for $73 billion for the war with Iran.

Steve and Josh also dig into Senate Majority Leader Thune's threat to fall back on reconciliation if Democrats won't deal, the Lankford-Hassan bill that would make automatic two-week CRs painful enough to keep members in town and working, and the record underneath all of it: Congress has finished all twelve appropriations bills on time four times in more than fifty years. The last was 1997.

How to Cut Half a Trillion Dollars from the Pentagon Budget Jul 13, 2026

The Pentagon's FY2027 budget request comes in at $1.54 trillion — a 45% increase over current spending. TCS teamed up with the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) on a new report, How to Cut a Half a Trillion Dollars from the Pentagon Budget Request and Strengthen National Security, identifying nearly $500 billion in defensible cuts to acquisition programs.
Gabe Murphy (TCS) is joined by POGO's Greg Williams and Virginia Burger to walk through the methodology and the specifics: munitions replenishment in the wake of Epic Fury, an F-35 procurement freeze tied to a 1-in-4 fleet readiness rate, the unproven sixth-generation fighter program, cost overruns on the Sentinel ICBM, redundant B-21 bomber spending, Ford-class carrier production issues, the newly proposed Trump-class battleship, Golden Dome missile defense, and Pentagon contractor subsidies.
Full report and cut list at taxpayer.net.

250 Years, 85% of the Debt in 25 Jun 26, 2026

America turns 250, and the fiscal ledger is sobering: $39.3 trillion in national debt — 85% of it accumulated in just the last 25 years. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell set aside the holiday Wastebasket they planned to write and instead take a hard look at how the republic arrived here. From the $430 million in daily debt averaged across 250 years, to $8 trillion in interest payments since 2010, to a new $88 billion emergency supplemental that stretches the definition of "emergency," Ellis and Sewell make the case that the nation's fiscal trajectory is a bipartisan problem requiring bipartisan solutions — and that the next 250 years depend on the choices made now.

Inside the NDAA Markup Jun 05, 2026

The House Armed Services Committee spent all of Thursday, June 4th, marking up the National Defense Authorization Act, and what happened inside that room was anything but routine. TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy was there for the debate, and he joins Steve Ellis to break down an unprecedented fight over the Pentagon's $1.14 trillion top line, a bipartisan push on military right to repair that actually passed by voice vote, and a series of amendments on Iran war funding that exposed just how politically charged this budget season has become.

Repair Priorities 2026 May 22, 2026

America has spent $1.5 trillion on federal surface transportation since the early '90s. Roads and bridges: same condition as 2001. So where did the money go?

Steve Ellis talks with Beth Osborne of Smart Growth America about Repair Priorities 2026, a new TCS-partnered report tracking how states actually spend federal highway dollars — and why expansion keeps winning over maintenance, no matter how much Congress appropriates. They cover the data gaps, the accountability failures, and a House committee's quiet vote against a basic "fix it first" requirement — all with the program's September reauthorization deadline approaching.

The funding is close. The policy to use it right isn't.

100 Cents on the Dollar: National Debt Crosses a Historic Threshold May 01, 2026

The U.S. economy grew at a solid 2% annual rate in the first quarter of 2026. So why is Taxpayers for Common Sense sounding the alarm? Because at the same moment, the national debt held by the public crossed 100% of GDP — a threshold once considered unthinkable. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down why good economic news and a historic debt milestone aren't reassuring — they're a warning. If we're running a $1.9 trillion deficit when times are good, what happens when they're not? Steve and Josh examine the structural drivers behind the debt, the systematic dismantling of every fiscal guardrail Congress has ever built, the misuse of budget reconciliation, and why Washington's political class — in both parties — keeps finding new ways to avoid the hardest decisions. This isn't a partisan story. It's an arithmetic one.

Drilling Won't Fix Gas Prices. Here's the Math. Apr 17, 2026

Gas prices are above $4 a gallon. Crude oil is past $100 a barrel. And Washington is doing what Washington does — pointing to federal leasing as the fix. But is it?

TCS President Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna to break down exactly how global oil markets work, why a domestic leasing policy can't move a global price, and what the numbers actually say about royalty rates and pump prices.

The math is precise, and the conclusion is clear: raising the royalty rate on new federal leases — from 12.5% to 16.67% — would have a maximum impact on pump prices of 6/100ths of a cent per gallon. That's less than a rounding error. Meanwhile, the US is already producing oil at record levels — 13.6 million barrels a day in 2025 — and Americans are still paying over $4 at the pump.

The frustration is real. The straight answers are here.

The President's FY2027 Budget Request Apr 10, 2026

The president has released his fiscal year 2027 budget request — and buried inside the rhetoric about "historic paradigm shifts" and the end of "fiscal futility" is a $1.5 trillion Pentagon spending request. A 44% increase in a single year. And that's before the Iran War supplemental reportedly in the pipeline.

TCS President Steve Ellis brings in national security analyst Gabe Murphy and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell to cut through the numbers: what the administration is actually proposing, what it would cost, and what it would mean for the programs everyday Americans depend on. The budget calls it discipline. Budget Watchdog AF is going to show you the math.

Flood Insurance Realities Mar 30, 2026

Taxpayers for Common Sense doesn't just watch Congress — sometimes it sits at the witness table. Last week TCS President Steve Ellis testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance on flood insurance, repetitive loss properties, and mitigation. With reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program on the horizon, we take you inside the hearing room to hear the case he made to lawmakers: the NFIP is $40 billion in the hole, we know which properties keep flooding, we know mitigation works, and the only thing missing is the will to act.

Iran, War Powers, and the Budget Mar 13, 2026

Two weeks into the U.S. military campaign against Iran — launched without congressional authorization — the costs are staggering. Estimates put taxpayer exposure at up to $28 billion already, with no clear end in sight. TCS President Steve Ellis sits down with TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy to break down what we know: the human toll, the daily cost of operations, the shifting justifications from the White House, and what Congress has — and hasn't — done about it. From the narrow defeat of War Powers resolutions in both chambers to the administration's reported request for $50 billion in supplemental war funding, Ellis and Murphy examine whether Congress still has the tools to reassert its constitutional war powers authority — and the political will to use them.

The Farm Bill Lives Mar 06, 2026

While breaking news about U.S. military action against Iran dominates the headlines, a consequential piece of legislation quietly cleared a major hurdle in Washington. In the early morning hours of March 5th, after a 20-hour marathon markup session, the House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — dubbed "Farm Bill 2.0." With the priciest farm programs already locked in through last year's reconciliation bill, what's left may look slimmer on paper. But as TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down, don't let the size fool you.

Trump Tariff Takedown Feb 20, 2026

In a historic 6-3 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), holding that the Constitution's taxing power belongs squarely to Congress — not the executive branch. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down the ruling in real time.

The court's majority, which included Trump appointees Gorsuch and Barrett alongside Chief Justice Roberts and the three liberal justices, found that Congress never authorized the president to levy tariffs under IEEPA — and that the word "tariff" doesn't even appear in the law. Steve and Josh trace TCS's position back to Liberation Day and the August tariff escalation episodes, where they argued that a tariff is a tax and that speculative tariff revenue could never be a reliable budget offset. Today's ruling validated that argument.

But don't pop the champagne yet. Steve and Josh walk through what the ruling doesn't do: it doesn't end tariffs. The administration has already signaled it will pursue tariffs under other statutes — Section 232, Section 301, Section 122, and even the ghost of Smoot-Hawley. They also dig into the fiscal fallout: over $133 billion in tariff revenue collected under IEEPA may be subject to refunds, with potential losses of $1.5 trillion over the next decade. With a $38.6 trillion national debt and $1.8 trillion annual deficit, that's not a rounding error.

The bottom line: Congress can no longer hide behind executive tariff revenue to paper over its fiscal failures. The court just slammed shut that escape hatch. Now it's time for Congress to do its job.

Why Golden Dome is Bad for American Taxpayers Feb 11, 2026

TCS President Steve Ellis and Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy break down President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense program—an ambitious vision to shield the entire United States from nuclear attack. With potential costs ranging from $3.6 to $6 trillion and fundamental technical challenges that make near-perfect interception virtually impossible, Golden Dome represents fiscal irresponsibility on a massive scale. Congress has already approved over $24 billion without even seeing a basic architecture for how the system would work. We examine why hitting hundreds of nuclear warheads traveling at 15,600 mph is far more complex than Israel's Iron Dome, how nuclear explosions could blind the system's own radars, and why pursuing this program could trigger a dangerous new arms race in space while undermining arms control efforts. Bottom line: if it doesn't work, don't fund it.

Short Shutdown Jan 30, 2026

Congress faces a partial government shutdown at midnight over Department of Homeland Security funding—but the border enforcement operations at the center of the fight will continue largely uninterrupted. Last summer's reconciliation bill locked in $170 billion for immigration enforcement through 2029, sitting outside the annual appropriations process. This means agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard could shut down while ICE operations continue with their massive funding increase. TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to break down how Congress gave up the power of the purse, why this shutdown is different from previous ones, and what taxpayers need to understand about budget gimmicks that prioritize political expediency over fiscal accountability.

Pentagon Plus-Up: Trump's $1.5 Trillion Defense Proposal Jan 09, 2026

Just when you thought Pentagon spending couldn't get more out of control, President Trump proposes a 50% budget increase in one year—rocketing Defense spending from $901 billion to $1.5 trillion. That's $500 billion more... and tariffs won't cover it. On Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy break down why this "dream military" proposal is fiscal madness, explore a new executive order targeting defense contractor stock buybacks, and examine why Congress should have a say before military action in Venezuela costs taxpayers even more. The first episode of 2026 pulls no punches on defending your tax dollars.

Inside the $12 Billion Farm Bailout Dec 12, 2025

The Trump administration has announced a $12 billion agricultural bailout package as trade wars squeeze American farmers—a familiar scenario from the first Trump administration. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to break down the "Farmers to Family Bridge Aid" package, examining who receives payments, what's actually in the relief, and whether a one-time check provides real certainty.

FEMA Reform: Billion-Dollar Disasters and the Push for Taxpayer Protection Dec 03, 2025

With nearly 30 billion-dollar extreme weather events in 2024 alone, disaster costs are spiraling out of control—and Congress is finally taking action. Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell and Policy Analyst Tyler Work to examine the FEMA Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that could modernize America's approach to disaster preparedness and response. They explore what the bill gets right—from elevating FEMA back to cabinet-level status to expanding mitigation funding—and where critical gaps remain. The conversation covers transparency reforms, the need for smarter rebuilding standards, the importance of front-end investment over back-end bailouts, and why federal disaster programs must stop subsidizing development in high-risk zones. At stake: whether reform delivers real resilience or just repeats costly mistakes.

Half a Billion and Counting: The Hidden Cost of National Guard Deployments Nov 25, 2025

Nearly half a billion dollars spent, families separated over the holidays, small businesses operating short-staffed, and violent crime was already declining. TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy breaks down the mounting taxpayer costs of National Guard deployments to Los Angeles, DC, Chicago, Portland, and Memphis, explaining why these expensive missions are a solution in search of a problem. From the unprecedented legal battles over the Posse Comitatus Act to the economic ripple effects on Guard members' civilian employers, this episode reveals what taxpayers are really paying for when federal troops patrol American cities. With deployments extended through at least February and no end in sight, the price keeps climbing while troops miss training, lose time with loved ones, and stand guard against an emergency that doesn't exist.

Shutdown Postmortem Nov 13, 2025

After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended. But at what cost? Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell break down the $60 billion price tag taxpayers absorbed for absolutely nothing. Beyond the waste, the Trump administration used the shutdown to expand executive control over federal spending, bypassing Congress to reallocate funds and lay off thousands of workers. The compromise bill may have reversed those moves, but it revealed a dangerous willingness to ignore constitutional spending authority. With another shutdown deadline looming on January 30th and Congress punting on actual appropriations bills, the fiscal dysfunction continues. No victories here—just billions wasted and constitutional concerns that should alarm every taxpayer.

The Antideficiency Act, Explained Oct 17, 2025

In the midst of a full government shutdown, the Trump administration has taken an unprecedented step: firing thousands of federal workers while government funding remains frozen. The problem? This might violate the Anti-Deficiency Act, a law on the books since 1884 that prevents the government from spending money it doesn't have. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down why conducting reductions-in-force during a shutdown—which trigger severance payments, administrative costs, and legal battles—could be illegal, and why shifting Pentagon funds to pay military salaries sets a dangerous precedent. Whether you think the federal workforce needs trimming or not, the Constitution is clear: Congress controls the purse strings, not the President, and taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for costly legal battles over executive overreach.

TCS Turns 30 Oct 06, 2025

Celebrate our 100th episode and TCS's 30th anniversary! Join President Steve Ellis, co-founder Jill Lancelot, and former President Ryan Alexander as they reveal the untold story behind Taxpayers for Common Sense. From killing the infamous Bridge to Nowhere to becoming Washington's most trusted budget voice, discover how this scrappy startup became the go-to source for exposing government waste. Learn their secrets for staying nonpartisan, making dry numbers compelling, and why fighting wasteful spending requires relentless optimism.

Government Shutdown Countdown Sep 24, 2025

With just days until a potential government shutdown, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down the looming crisis facing taxpayers. From the controversial "pocket rescission" maneuver to the unprecedented threat of shutting down the entire government—including military pay—this episode reveals the hidden costs of political dysfunction. Learn why shutdowns actually waste taxpayer money at $1.5 billion per day while delivering zero value to American families.

NDAA 2026 and Pentagon Accountability Sep 11, 2025

This episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal dives into the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026, examining critical taxpayer protection measures at stake. Host Steve Ellis and policy analyst Gabe Murphy discuss the Pentagon's proposed budget increases, controversial acquisition reform proposals like the FORGED and SPEED Acts, and key amendments, including Pentagon audit accountability measures and right-to-repair provisions. They also cover unfunded priority lists, the costly Golden Dome missile defense program, and recent developments in defense spending that could impact taxpayers for years to come.

20 Years After Katrina: Are We Still Paying Premium Prices for Poor Planning? Aug 25, 2025

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, we're still making the same costly mistakes. Despite spending over $122 billion on flood control since the 1920s, average annual flood damages had tripled even before Katrina hit. TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to examine how moral hazard, poor planning, and recent policy changes are wasting taxpayer dollars while leaving communities more vulnerable than ever to increasingly frequent and severe disasters.

Up in Smoke: The Methane Waste Crisis Costing Taxpayers Billions Aug 12, 2025

The EPA's delay of methane waste standards will cost taxpayers $170 million as billions of cubic feet of natural gas escape into the atmosphere instead of reaching markets. Host Steve Ellis explores this fiscal and health crisis with TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, Center for Methane Emission Solutions' Isaac Brown, and Evangelical Environmental Network's Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman. From lost royalty revenues to public health impacts, discover why methane waste prevention isn't just environmental policy—it's smart fiscal stewardship.

Rule by Tariff: When Trade Policy Meets Wishful Thinking Economics Aug 04, 2025

In this episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell tackle the Trump administration's tariff bonanza and explain why counting tariff chickens before they hatch is a recipe for fiscal disaster. They break down how tariffs work (spoiler: American companies pay them), why predicting tariff revenue is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot, and explore lawmakers' creative schemes to spend money that may never materialize. From Senator Josh Hawley's stimulus-style rebate checks to a proposed agricultural fund that essentially uses tariff money to compensate farmers for tariff damage (yes, really), the hosts reveal Washington's latest adventures in wishful thinking economics. Plus: why businesses hate uncertainty almost as much as they hate filling out tax forms, and how "rule by tariff" is making economic forecasters reach for the antacids.

Who Pays When Disaster Strikes, Now? Jul 24, 2025

The Trump administration is proposing fundamental changes to federal disaster response, shifting from FEMA's current model toward block grants that give states more control. The goal: reduce federal bureaucracy and empower local decision-making. But new analysis raises important questions about whether states have the financial capacity to handle major disasters alone.
An Urban Institute study found that only 5 out of 31 disaster-affected states had sufficient reserves to cover what they would lose under proposed changes. Meanwhile, implementation challenges are emerging: delayed disaster declarations, staffing reductions at FEMA, and coordination issues between federal and state agencies.
TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell examine both sides of this debate. While federal disaster response clearly needs reform to improve efficiency and accountability, they explore whether current changes are achieving those goals or creating new problems that could cost taxpayers more in the long run.

Warrior's Right to Repair - When Military Equipment Breaks, Who Gets to Fix It? Jul 08, 2025

What happens when a CT scanner breaks down in Afghanistan and soldiers can't repair it themselves? Or when the Navy has to fly contractors out to sea just to fix basic equipment? This episode dives into the Pentagon's "right to repair" problem - where service members are blocked from fixing their own gear, costing taxpayers billions and putting missions at risk.

Host Steve Ellis talks with Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette from the Project on Government Oversight and TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy about the bipartisan Warrior's Right to Repair Act. From F-35 fighter jets to broken generators in South Korea, discover how contractor monopolies are keeping our military from maintaining their own equipment - and why 74% of Americans support giving our troops the tools and training to fix what they own.

Can Congress finally break the cycle of costly contractor dependency? Find out why this common-sense reform has everyone from Elizabeth Warren to Republicans rallying behind our service members' right to repair.

Feeding the World Without Frying the Planet with Michael Grunwald Jun 23, 2025

New York Times bestselling author Michael Grunwald joins host Steve Ellis to discuss his forthcoming book "We Are Eating the Earth: the Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate," coming out July 1st. The episode reveals how agricultural lobbying has created a web of costly policies that benefit agribusiness while exacerbating climate problems. From the biofuels boondoggle that eats up a Texas-sized chunk of farmland to the "faith-based conservation" programs burning through billions in taxpayer dollars, discover why so many "green" agriculture solutions are climate disasters in disguise.

One Big Beautiful Bill, Many Ugly Problems Jun 13, 2025

Senate Republicans are scrambling to craft their version of President Trump's massive budget reconciliation package before a self-imposed July 4th deadline – and they're making the House's already bloated bill even worse. The Senate Armed Services Committee wants to throw an additional $6 billion at Pentagon spending, bringing the total national security increase to $156 billion, including more money for the over-budget Sentinel ICBM program and the unfeasible "Golden Dome" missile defense system.

Meanwhile, other provisions would roll back hard-won oil and gas reforms, slashing royalty rates from 16.67% back to 12.5% and reinstating a non-competitive leasing loophole that lets companies grab federal land for just $75. With most Senate committees skipping markup hearings to meet the artificial deadline, this reconciliation package is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and least transparent in recent memory.

TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy, and Director of Research Josh Sewell break down the wasteful spending, parliamentary hurdles, and political realities facing this "one big beautiful bill.

Are Tariffs Offsetting the New Tax Cut? What the CBO Report Really Says Jun 06, 2025

The Congressional Budget Office just dropped a bombshell: Trump's tariff policies could reduce deficits by $2.8 trillion over 10 years. Sounds great for fiscal hawks, right? Wrong. Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell break down why this "deficit reduction" is actually a massive tax increase on American families disguised as trade policy. From 25% tariffs on cars to inflation hitting working families hardest, discover why the CBO's projections are both critically important and complete fiction. Plus: Why a $9.4 billion rescission package feels like arguing over the bar tab while your house is on fire.

Base Instincts - The Case for Military Base Closures May 28, 2025

In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy to discuss their comprehensive new report, "Base Instincts: A Case for Base Realignment and Closures at Home and Abroad."

Nearly 20 years have passed since the last Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in 2005, yet the Pentagon continues to operate with significant excess infrastructure capacity. Murphy reveals striking findings from recent Pentagon reports showing 19-22% excess capacity across military installations, while also uncovering troubling inconsistencies in how this excess is being reported and measured.

The conversation explores why BRAC - a unique congressional process that packages base closure recommendations into an up-or-down vote - has been such an effective tool for eliminating wasteful spending, saving taxpayers an estimated $13.8 billion annually from previous rounds. Murphy breaks down what went wrong with the costly 2005 round, including problematic "joint basing" initiatives and contractor-driven cost overruns that have made lawmakers hesitant to authorize new closures.

Challenging common assumptions about the economic impact of base closures, the hosts examine data showing that affected communities often see unemployment drop and income rise in the decade following closures, when proper redevelopment planning occurs. The episode also addresses the Pentagon's overseas footprint of 750 bases in 80 countries, costing $55 billion annually.

With deferred maintenance backlogs reaching $137 billion and ongoing fiscal pressures, Ellis and Murphy make the case that a new BRAC round could save an additional $2.7 billion per year while enhancing both fiscal responsibility and national security.

Big Beautiful Bill: Trump's $5 Trillion Gamble May 22, 2025

In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell break down President Trump's massive reconciliation package that passed the House by the razor-thin margin of 215-214. The "one big beautiful bill" extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, exempts tips and overtime from taxes, raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, and makes significant cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. While the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill adds $3.3 trillion to the deficit, the real cost could reach $5.2 trillion when accounting for budget gimmicks.

Slashing and Shifting: Inside President Trump's FY2026 Budget Proposal May 08, 2025

In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell analyze President Trump's newly released "skinny budget" for fiscal year 2026, which proposes $163 billion in cuts primarily to domestic programs while increasing funding for defense, homeland security, and border security. Get the TCS take on how these dramatic spending shifts might impact vulnerable populations, and whether these changes would meaningfully address the nation's growing debt.

Warrior Ethos vs. Taxpayer Reality: The Pentagon's Waste Paradox Apr 25, 2025

In this eye-opening episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy to dissect President Trump's recent executive order on "Modernizing Defense Acquisitions." Despite promising language about cutting Pentagon waste, Murphy reveals how this order actually undermines transparency and accountability. The conversation exposes the stunning contrast between rhetoric and reality: while the Pentagon struggles to identify even $80 million in waste from its $850 billion budget, the administration simultaneously pushes for a trillion-dollar defense budget. Ellis and Murphy break down the alarming expansion of "commercial solutions" designation, problematic weapons systems like the F-35 fighter and Sentinel ICBM, and the parallel assault on acquisition regulations. This essential episode offers taxpayers a clear-eyed view of how the Pentagon's wasteful spending persists despite promises of reform.

Fiscal Smoke and Mirrors Apr 10, 2025

In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell expose the deceptive budgeting tactics being employed in Washington and how this accounting gimmick allows lawmakers to pretend that extending expiring tax cuts costs nothing while actually adding trillions to the national debt.

Tariffs and Tax Cuts: The Hidden Cost of 'Liberation Day' Apr 01, 2025

In this timely episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell dive into President Trump's newly declared "Liberation Day" and the economic implications of his sweeping tariff plan. As the national debt exceeds $36 trillion, this episode provides essential context on how these fiscal maneuvers could further burden American taxpayers for generations to come.

Beyond the CR: How Congress Ceded Power Mar 18, 2025

In this revealing episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, Steve Ellis, Josh Sewell, and Gabe Murphy dissect the March 2025 continuing resolution that's anything but "continuing." They expose how HR 1968 gives unprecedented flexibility to the Pentagon with a $6 billion boost and expanded transfer authority while cutting $13 billion from domestic programs. The team explains how this unusual full-year CR weakens congressional oversight by blocking challenges to presidential emergency declarations and tariff policies. Discover why this legislation represents a concerning shift in the separation of powers and what it means for taxpayers when Congress relinquishes its constitutional authority over spending. Is this CR really about keeping the government running, or is it a power grab that undermines democratic accountability?

Farms First Again? Mar 11, 2025

As America engages in another trade war, Budget Watchdog All Federal shares firsthand insights from the nation's largest farmer-focused agricultural convention, the Commodity Classic. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell dives into Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' pledge to "Make Agriculture Great Again" amid the current administration's unpredictable policy environment. Josh breaks down the recently approved $30.8 billion in agricultural disaster spending and the eye-opening statistics from TCS's updated report on crop insurance subsidies, which shows farmers receiving $54 billion more in payouts than premiums paid over the last decade.

DOGE Needs to Hunt for Real Budget Savings Feb 28, 2025

In this illuminating discussion, Budget Watchdog host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell examine why the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) approach to federal budget cuts is misguided and potentially counterproductive.

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Reconciliation Roulette: Congress's High-Stakes Budget Game Feb 20, 2025

In this timely episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell dive deep into the complexities of budget reconciliation as Congress grapples with competing strategies in early 2025. They explore the stark differences between the House's "one big beautiful bill" approach and the Senate's two-bill strategy, breaking down how reconciliation works, its limitations under the Byrd Rule, and the massive fiscal implications of proposed spending increases and tax cut extensions. The conversation highlights the cognitive dissonance between simultaneous pushes for defense spending cuts and increases while examining how the process could add trillions to America's already staggering $36 trillion national debt.

What Happened with the CR Dec 23, 2024

A just-in-time CR extending current funding levels until March 14, 2025, narrowly averted a government shutdown. So what's in it? Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell take you inside the deal, including $100 billion in disaster relief, $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, and a one-year extension of the farm bill. Get the details on the grab bag of other stuff left on the cutting room floor.

Reality Check: Can Elon Musk's Team Really Cut $2 Trillion in a Year? Dec 11, 2024

Get the reality check on America's daunting fiscal challenges and why both parties must face hard truths about spending, taxes, and debt. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell dissect the bold claims of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. While fresh eyes on Washington's spending problems are welcome, can Silicon Valley-style disruption work in the federal budget? Find out why eliminating "unauthorized" programs and firing federal workers won't come close to the promised savings and why ignoring entitlements like Social Security and Medicare is a recipe for fiscal disaster.

Lame Duck, Big Bucks: Congress's Last-Minute Spending Sprint Nov 08, 2024

With critical deadlines looming and major legislation hanging in the balance, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Policy Josh Sewell dive into what's at stake during Congress's lame duck session. They break down the pressing December 20th government funding deadline, the stalled Farm Bill reauthorization, and the likelihood of an emergency supplemental spending bill for recent disaster relief. Whether you're concerned about government spending or just want to understand what's happening in Washington, this timely discussion cuts through the partisan rhetoric to deliver the facts about the critical decisions facing Congress in its final weeks of 2024.

Pumping Profits or Storing Carbon? Oversight Gaps in Carbon Capture Subsidies Oct 15, 2024

Taxpayers for Common Sense explores the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage, its expansion, and concerns about its implementation, oversight, and potential misuse as a subsidy for oil production.

Helene's High Cost Oct 03, 2024

TCS Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to help answer the multi-billion dollar question: Who Pays When Disaster Strikes?

USACE Boondoggle Sep 05, 2024

When a wasteful government program like the Yazoo Area Pump Project is killed, it oughta stay dead. But the US Army Corps of Engineers has this pet zombie hidden in the Mississippi backwater. Listen to find out how taxpayers could be on the hook for billions in an attempt to unnecessarily re-plumb the Mississippi River and its tributaries. An environmental and fiscal disaster that benefits only a handful of farmers who are growing subsidized commodities in the floodplain.

Dear Elon Aug 16, 2024

We hear you! Hit play for the merits of the Elon Musk-style commission on government efficiency. TCS stalwarts Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell emphasize the need for bipartisan support, tackling both spending and revenue issues, and going beyond just eliminating waste.

Pentagon's Unsustainable Spending: The Sentinel ICBM and Next-Gen Fighter Dilemma Jul 24, 2024

Pentagon spending plans are spiraling out of control. From ICBMs to next-gen fighters, costs are skyrocketing while strategic benefits remain unclear. Dive into the fiscal chaos as we unpack the Air Force's budget woes and question whether these ambitious projects truly serve national security interests.

CBO Bombshell Jun 27, 2024

The Congressional Budget Office just released a bomb with their latest projections for the federal budget deficit. They're projecting a federal budget deficit of nearly $2 trillion for fiscal year 2024. That's about $400 billion more than what they projected just four months ago in February, marking a 27% increase. TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Director of Research and Policy, Josh Sewell for the bomb damage assessment.

Pentagon Budget Update (NDAA & UPLs) Jun 14, 2024

Join host Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, and policy analyst Gabe Murphy as they dive deep into the murky waters of Pentagon budgeting on the latest episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal. Steve and Gabe expose the partisan gridlock threatening to derail the NDAA and shine a light on the Senate's misguided $25 billion Pentagon budget increase. They'll arm you with the facts to resist calls for tying military spending to GDP and reveal the hidden influence of Pentagon contractors. Hit play for an eye-opening look at the high stakes of the appropriations process!

Farm Bill May 30, 2024

In this revealing episode of Budget Watchdog AF, Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell dive deep into the House Agriculture Committee's recently passed Farm Bill. With a $1.5 trillion price tag, the bill is loaded with loopholes and giveaways for special interests, while failing to prioritize those truly in need of taxpayer support.

National Defense Authorization Act Update May 16, 2024

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) caps national security spending at $895 billion in 2025, but changes to the Pentagon's budget request may not hold as the budget process moves forward. TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy joins host Steve Ellis with an analysis of the potential for Congress to exceed these caps, the Navy's shipbuilding budget and the F-35.

Earmarks Update May 03, 2024

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 ).

Who Pays When Disaster Strikes? Apr 09, 2024

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.

FY '25 Budget Request Mar 21, 2024

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.

Impasse Feb 29, 2024

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.

2024 Farm Bill Update Feb 13, 2024

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.

War Footing: National Defense Industrial Strategy Jan 31, 2024

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.

Back to the Brink Jan 11, 2024

On Jan. 19th, 2024, funding runs out for roughly 20 percent of the U.S. Government — including essential programs like some veterans assistance and food and drug safety services. The funding for the rest of the government runs out on Feb. 2. Hit play to get up to speed on the state of play in Congress with Host Steve Ellis and special guests Josh Sewell and Mike Surrusco.

Crop Insurance Subsidies Dec 12, 2023

It’s never too late to harvest savings for taxpayers. On this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, we dig deep and root out the egregious taxpayer subsidies being sent to foreign insurers and large mega-farms.

Fiscal Commission Nov 30, 2023

Admitting you have a problem is the first step. And Houston, we have a problem. America’s fiscal health is in grave danger. Host Steve Ellis is joined by Josh Sewell and Mike Surrusco to consider the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission to address our nation’s unsustainable national debt and the pending insolvency of critical government programs.

Budget Crisis Nov 14, 2023

In what might be considered a victory, the passage of another continuing resolution comes with its own kind of damage. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis for a discussion about how taxpayers stand to lose from the passage of a clean CR.

Halloween Special Oct 30, 2023

All Hallows’ Eve is upon us! And 2023 has been uncommonly spooky. Disappearances. Hauntings. Bloodletting. So, if you dare look deeper - if you seek to hear more. Enter the haunted dome of Capitol Hill and come face to face with the real ghouls, monsters, and fiscal horrors that lurk in the shadows.

National Security Spending Update Oct 20, 2023

TCS National Security Analyst Gabe Murphy joins Steve Ellis with an important update on America's military budget and spending issues. Hit play for the latest on the defense budget, military aid to Ukraine, the F-35 fighter jet, the Marine Corps transformation plan, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rule, that guides the Pentagon's role in addressing climate change.

Shutdown Avoided or Postponed? Oct 05, 2023

It turns out that avoiding the self-inflicted fiscal damage of a government shutdown was merely the beginning of a historic and even more highly chaotic period in the US House of Representatives. Just before noon on Tuesday, October 3rd a rebellion led by Representative Matt Gaetz, a far-right Republican from Florida led to the House voting 216-210 to oust McCarthy. Why? Because on Saturday the Speaker relied on Democratic votes to help pass a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown. That's where TCS president Steve Ellis picks up the story with analysis from TCS VP Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell.

Hail Mary Pass? Or Fiscal Fumble? Sep 27, 2023

We are on the edge of our seats waiting to see if Congress can complete a Hail Mary pass to keep the government running and give lawmakers time to pass the dozen annual spending bills. The Senate has the ball and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is lined up in the shotgun position, hoping to connect on a last-minute six-week Continuing Resolution. TCS star players Autumn Hanna and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis on the sidelines with expert analysis and color commentary.

Oil and Gas Update with Russell Kuhlman, Nevada Wildlife Federation Sep 19, 2023

Oil & Gas Leasing in Nevada is trouble for taxpayers. Host Steve Ellis and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna are joined by Russell Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation for a discussion about bonding requirements, federal royalty rates, and what constitutes a fair return for taxpayers.

Deadline Pressure Sep 11, 2023

Lawmakers are back and the September 30 deadline to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2024 — or to pass a continuing resolution for stopgap funding until negotiators can agree on appropriations — looms larger by the minute. Can Speaker Kevin McCarthy unite his fractured conference on spending? Will there be a government shutdown? And how much money would it cost taxpayers? TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to find the answers.

Downgraded Aug 29, 2023

The recent credit rating downgrade of the United States government by Fitch Ratings might have been met with alarm bells and market tremors. It was not. Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Josh Sewell, and TCS Director of Special Projects, Mike Surrusco, to shed light, context, and analysis of the underlying issues that continue to simmer.

Farm Bill: Succeeding Without Subsidies Aug 09, 2023

Ten billion taxpayer dollars per year in subsidies won’t fix farmers’ problems. Why? Because dollars alone won’t solve any problem. Join host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Sheila Korth for an exclusive look behind the curtain at the special interests driving the formation of the 118th Congress' Farm Bill.

Adding to the Climate Tab Jul 27, 2023

We’re back with the latest evidence of the increasing costs to taxpayers from climate change. Join Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell as they shine a spotlight on the fat stacks taxpayers are laying down on Climate in 2023.

Biofuels Subsidies: Climate Nightmares Masquerading as Climate Solutions with author & journalist Michael Grunwald Jun 27, 2023

Today on the podcast, everything you need to know about biofuels and how the Renewable Fuel Standard has failed consumers, taxpayers, and the climate. Host Steve Ellis is joined by journalist and author Michael Grunwald and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Korth.

Paying the Price Jun 09, 2023

Wildfire smoke pouring in from Canada is a frightening real-time example of the impacts of climate change. It is also an apt metaphor for how the mounting costs of climate change are being quietly paid by American Taxpayers. Host Steve Ellis and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna are joined by Bob Keefe and Sandra Purohit with the national, nonpartisan group E2 to breakdown the findings in the new TCS Climate Report: “Paying the Price: Taxpayers Footing the Bill for Increasing Costs of Climate Change.”

Debt Limit May 23, 2023

The threat of defaulting on the national debt is soon to become real. The American government is on borrowed time and the music is about to stop. TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell join host Steve Ellis to help make sense of what’s at stake.

Wendy Jordan: Budget Hero May 09, 2023

Wendy Jordan has analyzed every Pentagon budget request for the last 35 years. She has a multi-faceted understanding of defense programs. And an encyclopedic knowledge of Congressional action. And a voice that listeners of this podcast will soon be missing. Hit play and hear the Wendy Jordan exit interview (uncensored).

Suspend, Raise or Default Apr 25, 2023

The end of Federal Debt Limit brinksmanship is upon us. Extraordinary measures have been in effect for some time. America is now driving with the “empty light” on and about to blow past the last gas station exit. The near-term costs of a default on our national debt are calculable. The long-term costs of a breach in the “full faith and credit of the United States,” are not. TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Josh Sewell joins the podcast to discuss the facts, process, history, and options facing American Taxpayers.

Clearing the Smoke Apr 11, 2023

Taxpayers for Common Sense is out with a new report, "Clearing the Smoke: A Closer Look at Federal Spending and Programs on Wildfire." Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, TCS Researcher Tyler Work, and Policy Analyst Mia Huang to navigate the thicket of federal programs and spending.

Moral Hazard and F-35 Alternate Engine Mar 21, 2023

The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank harkened back to the dark days of 2008. Meanwhile, despite losing to Pratt & Whitney more than a decade ago in the battle to supply the engine for the F-35 jet fighter, Washington is suddenly abuzz about a General Electric effort to revive their alternate engine. TCS Senior Policy Analysts Wendy Jordan and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis for a discussion about Moral Hazard and the old budget watchdog adage, "No matter how wasteful, no bad idea is ever truly dead in Washington, especially when there are billions of dollars on the line. You have to kill, kill, kill until it’s dead, dead, dead.”

Budget, Oversight and Transparency Mar 07, 2023

Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to pull back the curtain on how Taxpayers for Common Sense advises foreign governments on the importance of transparency in the stewardship of public resources. Plus, everything you need to look for when President Biden’s Fiscal 2024 Budget Request is released.

CBO Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033 Feb 22, 2023

As Treasury Secretary Yellen uses extraordinary measures to keep the nation below the debt ceiling, America's total debt right now is north of $32 trillion. And the psychological "Trillion-Dollar Barrier" has been broken. The just released CBO Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033 anticipates a federal budget deficit of $20 trillion over the next decade. TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis for an exercise in understanding the report and what it really means for taxpayers.

Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule Feb 07, 2023

Does it make sense for Uncle Sam to put a thumb on the scale to reduce climate risk and the cost to taxpayers? Is that what the Biden Administration’s proposed Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule would do? On this episode of the Budget Watchdog AF podcast, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets Managing Director, Steven Rothstein, tells host Steve Ellis, the answer is, "Yes! And it will be a game-changer!"

Farm Bill Field Trip Jan 25, 2023

Budget Watchdog AF takes a field trip to the corn and soybean fields of northeastern Nebraska in search of common sense on the Farm Bill. Taxpayers for Common Sense Senior Policy Analysts Sheila Korth and Josh Sewell introduce us to the current generations of the Kinkaid family farming this land since the 1940s. Hit play and hear what these farmers think about farm subsidies. It will suprise you.

Taxpayers Guide to the 118th Congress Jan 11, 2023

What’s to be expected as lawmakers in the 118th Congress work to enact the dozen spending bills that fund government before the October 1st start of fiscal year 2024? What about the expiring Farm Bill? Possible cuts to defense spending? Hit play for the Taxpayers Guide to the 118th Congress with host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analysts Wendy Jordan and Josh Sewell.

Year-in-Review Dec 20, 2022

Host Steve Ellis is joined by the entire TCS budget watchdog pack for this 2022 year-in-review episode.

Best Bad Option Dec 06, 2022

Congress has until December 16th to enact a final FY-23 spending bill, pass another CR, or risk a partial government shutdown. Find out what’s at stake and the budget implications for taxpayers involved in the choice between omnibus and long-term CR.
TCS Senior Policy Analysts Joshua Sewell and Wendy Jordan join host Steve Ellis for a conversation about the serious consequences that missing deadlines can have on policy priorities.

Budgetary Wildcard Nov 22, 2022

While most of the country focused on the elections, one of the most important and widely underappreciated documents to emerge from any White House was released, the 2022 National Security Strategy. Join Steve Ellis and TCS National Security Expert Wendy Jordan for a budget watchdog’s take on President Biden's national security vision.

Lame Duck a l'Orange Nov 03, 2022

There is nothing in politics as clarifying as an election. And as the biggest, baddest, budget watchdog podcast on the block, it’s our job to help you see the clearest picture possible of what’s about to go down on Capitol Hill. What’s still on the legislative table? What deals might be made? What hijinx can we expect? And of course, what might it mean for taxpayers? Joining Steve Ellis to answer every question and shine the light in all the right corners are TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell.

Halloween Special Oct 27, 2022

The most spooky and creative of holidays reveals a core truth about this podcast, and Taxpayers for Common Sense itself: budget watchdog’in is a team sport. It takes energy and precision and real doggedness to run with our pack… and so today the whole gang is here. Happy Halloween Listening... if you dare.

CBO Report on FY22 Federal Budget Deficit Oct 13, 2022

The budget deficit for 2022 was $1.4 trillion. That’s half of the $2.8 trillion it was in 2021. In this episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell break down the Congressional Budget Office Report on the FY22 Federal Budget Deficit - what it means, what isn’t in it, and what is looming.

Why CRs Are Bad for Taxpayers Sep 27, 2022

The inability of Congress to fund the government on time without drama is not one-sided. And here we are again! TCS Vice President, Autumn Hanna, and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell, join show host Steve Ellis to explain the bipartisan affliction known as the Continuing Resolution and why curing it requires a bipartisan solution.

Venting & Flaring Sep 14, 2022

The curious and potentially catastrophic case of your tax dollars being lit on fire. Oil and gas companies waste billions of cubic feet of natural gas extracted from federal lands, royalty-free, every year by just venting it or burning it off. Hit play for the facts about how methane waste on federal lands is causing economic damage to all taxpayers – and the climate. Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Vice President, Autumn Hanna; Mia Huang, TCS Research and Data Analyst; and Tyler Work, TCS Development and Research Associate.

Why Disaster Dollars Are Different Aug 29, 2022

It’s August 29th, 2022, the 17th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. 17 years since the country watched as much of a major U.S. city plunged underwater and more than 1800 lives were lost. On this heavy-hearted anniversary, Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell to define the role the federal government plays in ensuring communities have their own plans in place that are tailored to the risks and opportunities every disaster presents.

Oil & Gas Leasing and the IRA Aug 10, 2022

It took 100 years, but Congress is poised to pass the first update to the onshore oil and gas royalty rate since 1920. It's all part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, and Research Analyst Mia Huang, join TCS President Steve Ellis for deep dive on the IRA provisions that directly impact reform in the federal oil and gas leasing program. Hit play to learn about oil and gas leasing reforms, and increase to the onshore royalty, rental rates, and the new minimum bid in lease auctions.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Aug 05, 2022

Who doesn’t love a summer surprise? Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, comes courtesy of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). So, what’s in it and will it live up to its name? TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Joshua Sewell have the details in this episode of the Budget Watchdog AF podcast.

National Defense Authorization Act Jul 13, 2022

In Washington D.C. this mid-July, 2022, the days are long. The temperatures are high. And the legislative headwinds on Capitol Hill are reaching gale force. In this kind of charged and volatile political environment, it is critical that budget watchdogs keep their eye on the ball. What ball? The money! And – nowhere – do we --the American Taxpayers -- spend more money than at the Pentagon. So, hit play and join host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Wendy Jordan, for an illuminating ride into the darkness of the congressional appropriations process.

Fireworks, Beaches and Bridges Jun 30, 2022

Happy 4th of July, BWAF faithful! Do you know the old saying, “More bang for your buck”?
Well, this year, when it comes to fireworks on America’s birthday – the mantra is now, "More Bang? More Bucks!" Host Steve Ellis is joined by Josh Sewell – TCS Senior Policy Analyst… to explode the myths about why costs are soaring skyward.

Combating Inflation Jun 14, 2022

The Biden Administration has said it is throwing everything at tackling inflation. And it is quite clear that it is not going to be solved by quick fixes. TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan spell out how Congress and the administration can remove federal policies distorting the playing field for the benefit of special interests and driving up costs for taxpayers.

The Farm Bill with Special Guest Dr. Joe Glauber May 31, 2022

Are America’s green fields lined with taxpayer dollars? In this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, host Steve Ellis and TCS Ag experts, Joshua Sewell and Sheila Karpf plow fertile ground with a very special guest. Dr. Joe Glauber served as Chief Economist at the US Department of Agriculture from 2008-2014, and in total, spent more than 30 years at USDA. Hit play and hear how much more is in the Farm Bill than you probably realized.

America's Gold Giveaway May 18, 2022

In this episode, we explore the inexplicable gold giveaway that the 18th President of the United States signed into law to incentives the development of the west. Ulysses S. Grant signed the General Mining Law of 1872 into law. He thereby set the royalty rate on the sale of publicly owned minerals like gold, silver, copper, and uranium at ZERO. That’s right, ZERO. This outdated and still operable law continues to allow precious metals to be mined and profited from without compensation to the resource owners, federal taxpayers. So how much lost taxpayer revenue are we talking about? Over the last decade … approximately two billion dollars. Joining Steve Ellis to dig deeper is TCS Research & Data Analyst, Mia Huang and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna.

Gas Prices & Common Sense Climate Solutions May 04, 2022

Taxpayers for Common Sense believe our tax dollars should be wisely spent no matter what – whether that’s long-term solutions to climate change or addressing pressing issues related to the war in Ukraine. Will the policy responses announced by Congress and the Administration do anything to address rising costs? And what impact will these changes have on long-term climate costs? TCS Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Karpf joins host Steve Ellis to drill down on gas prices and common sense climate solutions.

President Biden's Budget Apr 06, 2022

With $1.6 trillion in discretionary budget authority … the Rube Goldbergian Biden FY 23 federal budget is decidedly not deficit reduction. Hit play if you need a contextualized, nuanced, and laser-sharp read on the numbers and what they really mean. Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan.

Omnibus and Earmarks, Oh My! Mar 18, 2022

In a world where regular order doesn’t exist. And the biggest, baddest, spending bill on the block is an Apex Predator known as “Omnibus”. The earmarks are out there my friends… and they are slippery suckers. By some accounts… the appropriations earmarks in the $1.5 trillion fiscal 2022 omnibus bill that President Joe Biden signed last Tuesday might be perceived as both an exercise in restraint and obfuscation. Joining Steve Ellis to make the podcasting magic happen is a bona fide forensic earmarkist – TCS Senior Policy Analyst – Josh Sewell.

SOTU (aka Super Bowl of Politics) Mar 01, 2022

There is nothing so clarifying for policy and legislative vision, as the State of The Union. On this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, Steve Ellis is joined by future Hall of Fame members of the Taxpayers for Common Sense team to clarify the fiscal message they would like to hear from President Biden.

Sweet Talk Feb 11, 2022

On this Valentine's Day 2022 Steve Ellis and the TCS team rekindle the romance for making government work. Enjoy the sweet talk and hear the list of policies that the budget nerds love.

Doubling Down on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and Truth About the DOD Budget Feb 02, 2022

After 60 years, the nuclear power industry remains heavily dependent on taxpayer subsidies, faces costly and unresolved waste disposal challenges, and leaves a long trail of ongoing environmental liabilities, from uranium mining contaminants to water pollution.

Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst Michael Maragos for a briefing on the money pit situation with small modular nuclear reactors.
Plus, TCS Senior Policy Analyst Wendy Jordan on why the Pentagon shouldn't be shielded from fiscal and political realities – like agency funding.

State of Play 2022 Jan 19, 2022

It’s 2022 and the 117th Congress rolls on. But what’s really in the realm of the possible right now? In this episode Budget Watchdog AF gives you the lay of the land in Washington D.C. An honest assessment of where things stand on the Biden Administration’s signature social welfare legislation, Build Back Better, and the latest on the federal budget and the appropriations bills that go along with it. Host Steve Ellis is joined by Autumn Hanna and Josh Sewell.

Oil & Gas Lobbying Report Sep 27, 2021

It’s a story one hundred years in the making. It’s about greed, naked political power, and the exploitation of American Taxpayers. TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna joins Budget Watchdog AF host Steve Ellis along with Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Karpf and Research and Data Analyst Mia Huang to explain how the oil and gas industry has secured $93 Billion in unwarranted federal subsidies, tax breaks, and sweetheart leasing deals over the last decade. They say the House never loses. Well, in this case, the Feds are the House and they're losing taxpayer money at a furious rate on this one.

ABCs of the BCA Sep 10, 2021

A history lesson with special implications for our current debt limit fight about to kick-off in Congress. In times like these, wild things can be agreed to. And in the case of the Budget Control Act of 2011, Congress agreed to all of them… and adhered to none of them. Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan for an episode that respects the admonition that, “those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.”

Fiscal Illusions, Fuzzy Math and All Aboard! Aug 12, 2021

TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by Budget Watchdog AF’s very own Josh Sewell to reveal the secrets of the awe-inspiring, disappearing debt limit trick. Magic or optical illusion? And the real truth about infrastructure and reconciliation.

Extra Money and More Credit Jul 09, 2021

TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell investigate a mystery that should strike fear into the hearts of all taxpayers, “Extra Money.” Plus, BWAF listeners will get an introduction to the not-so-distant relative of “Extra Money," “More Credit.” Hit play and learn how American Taxpayers are confronted with the dual reality of needing urgently to increase the nation’s Debt Limit, even while we figure out how to use all that “extra money” laying around.

Taxpayers' Fair Return Jun 18, 2021

This week we learn that a federal judge ruled against the Biden Administration, saying that it is up to Congress to pause new oil and gas lease sales on federal land. Plus, more than half a billion dollars in revenue is on the line for taxpayers when it comes to a major change in oil and gas royalty rates. TCS President Steve Ellis explores all the issues and their impacts on revenue to taxpayers with TCS Vice President and Autumn Hanna.

Earmark Renaissance | Preview of Biden's FY '22 Budget May 27, 2021

Are earmarks having a renaissance? Is the new system actually built for transparency and accountability? And will President Biden's real FY '22 budget please step forward? Budget Watchdog AF Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan for an episode that can not be missed. Welcome to all American Taxpayers seeking common sense. You've made it to the right place!

Wading Through Federal Disaster Policy and Programs May 07, 2021

When it comes to climate change you don’t need to be steeped in the science. What you really need to understand are the staggering financial costs. Costs that one way or another find their way back to all of us – the taxpayers. Join Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell for a readout on an important congressional hearing this week looking into housing resilience in the face of climate change. The National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program are critical, but costly tools to deal with the ever-deepening effects of climate change.

Climate Change Special Apr 22, 2021

Every American Taxpayer needs to understand that trillions of your tax dollars will be spent in the coming decades on climate change costs –for damages, adaptation, and mitigation. On Earth Day 2021, Taxpayers for Common Sense breaks down the serious and avoidable financial threats posed by climate change. TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and Senior Fellow Ryan Alexander join Steve Ellis for a compelling illustration of how climate is connected to every American’s pocketbook.

Biden's Skinny Budget Request Apr 15, 2021

After a decade of budget caps and mock budget discipline in President Trump’s budget requests, President Biden released his FY 2022 "skinny budget" request this week. And it really lets the belt out a few – or a lot – of notches. What’s the tale of the tape? Increases across the board! Every Cabinet Department sees a percentage increase in budget authority over fiscal year 2021. TCS Senior Policy Analysts Sheila Karpf and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis to details what these increases amount to.

Infrastructure and the American Jobs Plan Apr 01, 2021

President Biden's American Jobs Plan contains roughly $2.2 trillion in spending proposals across a broad swath of traditional and newly defined “infrastructure.” The 25-page plan is big on ideas and short on details. What to make of it? Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins TCS President Steve Ellis for the kind of discussion you will only hear on Budget Watchdog AF.

Legacy Weapon Systems and Biden's Pentagon Budget Mar 18, 2021

Is the F-35 too pricey to fail? Is the F-35 a platinum-plated spork? Taxpayers for Common Sense Senior Policy Analyst Wendy J Jordan joins Steve Ellis for a readout of the TCS cut list of legacy weapons systems that President Biden, Congress, and the Department of Defense need to come to grips with this budget cycle. Weapons systems recommended for cutting: The Rockwell B-1 Lancer, The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, The Boeing RC-135, The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, The “A-10 Warthog,” and the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor platforms. Plus, the Littoral Combat Ship program and the Minuteman Missile System.

American Rescue Plan & Budget Justification Transparency Act Mar 05, 2021

Get the skinny on HR 22: The Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021 & a candid analysis of the COVID-19 relief package known as the American Rescue Plan as Josh Sewell, Senior Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense, joins Budget Watchdog AF host, Steve Ellis.

Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Feb 18, 2021

Learn the facts, implications, and opportunities behind the Biden Administration's pause on Federal Oil and Gas Leasing. Autumn Hanna, Vice President and Energy & Natural Resources Lead at Taxpayers for Common Sense, joins Budget Watchdog AF host, Steve Ellis.

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