New report lists $473 billion in federal waste

WASHINGTON, DC — Senator James Lankford, of Oklahoma, released his third annual report Monday on government waste.

Sen. Lankford’s report is entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball.

The list reveals $473.6 billion in wasteful and inefficient federal spending.

The current United States federal debt is $20.49 trillion.

“The outrageous federal deficit remains too high,” said Sen. Lankford.”

“Unfortunately, Washington, DC seems to be distracted and the deficit has started increasing again.”

Find the entire report here and find examples of waste listed in 2017 Federal Fumbles Report:

• Social Security for Chimpanzees (page 1) – Despite announcing in 2015 that NIH would cease funding all biomedical research conducted on chimpanzees, NIH provided $2.6 million in 2015-2016 to operate NCCC.

• This is Weird, Right? – A $30,000 NEA grant supports the production of Doggie Hamlet. The adaptation does not include any actual lines from Hamlet, is conducted outdoors in a 30-by-50-foot field in New Hampshire, and is mostly humans yelling or running toward confused sheep and dogs.

• You're Fired…Just Kidding!! – A 2014 Treasury IG investigation discovered from 2010 to 2013, the IRS hired 824 people who were previously terminated due to "prior conduct or performances issues. July 2017, the IG released a new report showed more previously terminated employees were rehired.

• Senate Waiting Games – Many positions within the Administration remain unconfirmed. These delays mean federal agencies and departments lack the day-to-day leadership and management necessary to ensure federal funding is used wisely.

• Welcome to Hotel Kabul  – OPIC loaned $85 million to construct a hotel and apartment in Kabul, Afghanistan.