Budget Watchdog All Federal - Taxpayers For Common Sense

Latest Episodes:

Dear Elon Aug 16, 2024

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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