Government Spending & Oversight
Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.
Latest Developments
Why do ICE agents get paid during the partial government shutdown, but not TSA?
The partial government shutdown has created a stark disparity: ICE agents continue receiving paychecks while TSA agents do not, prompting hundreds of TSA workers to resign and thousands more to call out. The difference stems from how Congress classified the two agencies—ICE falls under the Department of Homeland Security's law enforcement division and is deemed essential, while TSA is classified differently and its workforce is considered non-essential during a lapse in appropriations. The TSA staffing crisis threatens airport security operations, with some facilities reporting significant disruptions as agents weigh financial hardship against continued work. The shutdown exposes how federal funding classifications determine which workers stay on the job unpaid and which are furloughed entirely, raising questions about fairness and operational preparedness during extended budget lapses.
Covid Relief Loans Are Haunting Small Businesses
The Small Business Administration lent $378 billion during the Covid pandemic to keep businesses operating, but the agency is now struggling to recover those funds from borrowers. The loans, distributed rapidly to prevent mass business closures during lockdowns, were intended as temporary relief with repayment obligations that have become difficult for many small firms to meet. The repayment challenges underscore a broader reckoning with pandemic-era lending programs, as defaults and delinquencies mount across the portfolio. For the SBA and borrowers alike, the situation highlights tensions between emergency relief designed for speed versus the realities of collection from struggling businesses. The recovery rate will likely determine how much of the pandemic aid ultimately costs taxpayers versus being recouped through repayment.
Republican Sen. Rick Scott sues Booz Allen Hamilton over leaked tax returns
Sen. Rick Scott filed a federal lawsuit in the Middle District of Florida against Booz Allen Hamilton, alleging the defense contractor failed to safeguard his tax returns after they were leaked alongside those of President Trump and Elon Musk. The leak was traced to Charles Littlejohn, an IRS contractor who worked through Booz Allen and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2023 for unauthorized disclosure of tax information. Scott's 25-page complaint accuses the firm of "systemic failure to safeguard confidential taxpayer information" and seeks punitive damages for willful and reckless conduct. The Trump administration already cancelled all of Booz Allen's Treasury Department contracts in January in apparent retaliation for the breach, which fueled major media investigations including a 2020 New York Times story on Trump's tax payments and a 2021 ProPublica report on wealthy Americans' taxes.
Live updates: DHS funding deal shows promise as TSA turmoil puts pressure on Trump, Congress
President Trump is set to swear in Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as his new DHS secretary on Tuesday as lawmakers move toward a funding deal for the department. The partial government shutdown has created worsening airport security lines and flight delays, intensifying pressure on Congress and the administration to resolve the impasse. A functioning DHS is critical to border security and airport operations, making the funding standoff a direct threat to both national security priorities and travelers. The deal-taking shape signals potential momentum toward ending the shutdown, though specific details of the agreement remain unclear. Multiple agencies under DHS jurisdiction, including TSA and ICE, have faced operational constraints during the shutdown.
Republicans seek elusive path to restoring DHS funding - Axios
Republicans are navigating a difficult legislative path to restore Department of Homeland Security funding after a spending lapse or freeze. The party faces internal divisions or procedural obstacles that complicate efforts to pass a clean DHS appropriations bill or broader spending measure. Restoring DHS funding is critical because it affects border security operations, immigration enforcement, and other homeland security functions that are central to the Trump administration's policy agenda. Republicans must balance competing priorities within their caucus while managing Democratic opposition or procedural requirements in Congress. The outcome will determine whether key homeland security operations face continued disruption or full restoration of resources.
Key Facts
The U.S. national debt surpassed $36 trillion in early 2025
Source: U.S. Treasury Department
The GAO identified $236 billion in improper payments across federal agencies in FY2024
Source: Government Accountability Office
Federal spending reached $6.75 trillion in FY2024, roughly 23% of GDP
Source: Congressional Budget Office
Inspector General offices recovered $75.7 billion in potential savings in FY2024
Source: CIGIE
Interest payments on the national debt exceeded $1 trillion annually for the first time in 2024
Source: U.S. Treasury Department
Recent Highlights
Congressional debate intensifies over debt ceiling and spending priorities
DOGE efficiency initiative launches review of federal contracts and programs
New administration proposes sweeping federal spending reforms and agency restructuring
FY2025 begins with continuing resolution as Congress fails to pass full budget
Full Coverage (840 articles)
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Why do ICE agents get paid during the partial government shutdown, but not TSA?
The partial government shutdown has created a stark disparity: ICE agents continue receiving paychecks while TSA agents do not, prompting hundreds of TSA workers to resign and thousands more to call out. The difference stems from how Congress classified the two agencies—ICE falls under the Department of Homeland Security's law enforcement division and is deemed essential, while TSA is classified differently and its workforce is considered non-essential during a lapse in appropriations. The TSA staffing crisis threatens airport security operations, with some facilities reporting significant disruptions as agents weigh financial hardship against continued work. The shutdown exposes how federal funding classifications determine which workers stay on the job unpaid and which are furloughed entirely, raising questions about fairness and operational preparedness during extended budget lapses.
Covid Relief Loans Are Haunting Small Businesses
The Small Business Administration lent $378 billion during the Covid pandemic to keep businesses operating, but the agency is now struggling to recover those funds from borrowers. The loans, distributed rapidly to prevent mass business closures during lockdowns, were intended as temporary relief with repayment obligations that have become difficult for many small firms to meet. The repayment challenges underscore a broader reckoning with pandemic-era lending programs, as defaults and delinquencies mount across the portfolio. For the SBA and borrowers alike, the situation highlights tensions between emergency relief designed for speed versus the realities of collection from struggling businesses. The recovery rate will likely determine how much of the pandemic aid ultimately costs taxpayers versus being recouped through repayment.
Republican Sen. Rick Scott sues Booz Allen Hamilton over leaked tax returns
Sen. Rick Scott filed a federal lawsuit in the Middle District of Florida against Booz Allen Hamilton, alleging the defense contractor failed to safeguard his tax returns after they were leaked alongside those of President Trump and Elon Musk. The leak was traced to Charles Littlejohn, an IRS contractor who worked through Booz Allen and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2023 for unauthorized disclosure of tax information. Scott's 25-page complaint accuses the firm of "systemic failure to safeguard confidential taxpayer information" and seeks punitive damages for willful and reckless conduct. The Trump administration already cancelled all of Booz Allen's Treasury Department contracts in January in apparent retaliation for the breach, which fueled major media investigations including a 2020 New York Times story on Trump's tax payments and a 2021 ProPublica report on wealthy Americans' taxes.
Live updates: DHS funding deal shows promise as TSA turmoil puts pressure on Trump, Congress
President Trump is set to swear in Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as his new DHS secretary on Tuesday as lawmakers move toward a funding deal for the department. The partial government shutdown has created worsening airport security lines and flight delays, intensifying pressure on Congress and the administration to resolve the impasse. A functioning DHS is critical to border security and airport operations, making the funding standoff a direct threat to both national security priorities and travelers. The deal-taking shape signals potential momentum toward ending the shutdown, though specific details of the agreement remain unclear. Multiple agencies under DHS jurisdiction, including TSA and ICE, have faced operational constraints during the shutdown.
Republicans seek elusive path to restoring DHS funding - Axios
Republicans are navigating a difficult legislative path to restore Department of Homeland Security funding after a spending lapse or freeze. The party faces internal divisions or procedural obstacles that complicate efforts to pass a clean DHS appropriations bill or broader spending measure. Restoring DHS funding is critical because it affects border security operations, immigration enforcement, and other homeland security functions that are central to the Trump administration's policy agenda. Republicans must balance competing priorities within their caucus while managing Democratic opposition or procedural requirements in Congress. The outcome will determine whether key homeland security operations face continued disruption or full restoration of resources.
Republicans optimistic on path to end DHS shutdown
Senate Republicans expressed optimism Monday evening about reaching a deal to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown after a closed-door meeting. The shutdown has already created operational disruptions, including lengthening Transportation Security Administration delays at airports nationwide. A resolution is significant because DHS controls border security, immigration enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection—functions that have been hampered during the closure. The meeting suggests negotiators may be narrowing their differences on outstanding disagreements that triggered the shutdown. Republicans have indicated they believe a path to reopening the agency is now visible, though details of any emerging compromise have not been disclosed.
Trump’s FEMA council eyed major cuts. Will Mullin enact them as DHS head?
The Trump administration faces a deadline this week to decide on major reforms to FEMA, with Senator Markwayne Mullin poised to take over as Homeland Security Secretary and potentially implement significant changes. Both President Trump and outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have previously suggested eliminating FEMA entirely, signaling openness to dramatic restructuring of the agency. Mullin's confirmation and leadership will be critical to determining whether the administration pursues a full dissolution of FEMA or implements other major operational cuts. The timing is significant given ongoing disaster response needs and the political stakes of dismantling a federal agency responsible for emergency management. FEMA's future structure could reshape how the federal government handles natural disasters and emergencies nationwide.
Vets must publish prices and pet prescription fees to be capped at £21, watchdog says
The UK's competition watchdog has mandated that veterinary prescription fees be capped at £21 and required vets to publish price lists for their services. The measure aims to increase transparency and reduce costs for pet owners, who have faced unpredictable and sometimes steep charges for routine veterinary care. Vets will now be compelled to disclose pricing upfront, allowing customers to compare costs across clinics before seeking treatment. The cap on prescription fees specifically addresses a practice where some veterinary practices charged significantly above the cost of medications themselves, creating an additional financial burden on pet owners. The rules represent the watchdog's attempt to inject competition and fairness into a sector where pricing opacity has long frustrated consumers.
ABC staff strike: BBC content to replace flagship shows, including 7.30 and AM
ABC staff strike: BBC content to replace flagship shows, including 7.30 and AM.
Pentagon revises rules for journalists after lawsuit loss, raising press group's ire - Axios
The Pentagon has revised its rules governing journalist access following a lawsuit loss, a move that has drawn criticism from press advocacy groups. The policy change appears to address restrictions that were challenged in court, though the new guidelines have prompted concerns about whether they adequately protect press freedom. The revision underscores ongoing tensions between the Department of Defense and the media over access to military facilities, personnel, and information. Press groups argue the updated rules may still impose unnecessary barriers to newsgathering and transparency. The dispute reflects a broader debate over how much access journalists should have to cover defense and national security issues.
Preservation groups sue to block Trump Kennedy Center changes
A coalition of historic preservation and architectural groups filed a federal lawsuit Monday to block planned renovations at the Kennedy Center, arguing the project would cause irreparable harm to the performing arts venue. The Trump administration and the Kennedy Center's board of trustees are defendants in the case, filed in Washington, D.C., as construction is slated to begin in July. The legal challenge reflects a clash between modernization efforts and concerns about preserving the architectural integrity of the iconic cultural institution, which opened in 1971. Preservation groups typically argue that major renovations to historic structures risk altering their original character and historical significance. The outcome will likely determine whether the Kennedy Center can proceed with its renovation timeline or must halt or modify its plans pending the lawsuit's resolution.
Markwayne Mullin confirmed as Department of Homeland Security head - BBC
The US Senate has confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security, giving the Trump administration control of the federal agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response. Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican and former professional wrestler, previously served in the House of Representatives before his confirmation vote. As the nation's top homeland security official, Mullin will oversee the Department of Homeland Security's implementation of the Trump administration's immigration and border policies. The confirmation reflects Republican control of the Senate and signals the administration's ability to staff its cabinet with loyalists aligned with its priorities on immigration enforcement and border management.
Markwayne Mullin confirmed to lead a DHS in turmoil - CNN
Markwayne Mullin has been confirmed to lead the Department of Homeland Security, taking over an agency facing significant operational and administrative challenges. Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, now heads the federal department responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response during a period of acknowledged internal strain. His confirmation comes as the Trump administration prioritizes immigration enforcement and border control as central policy goals. The DHS has faced budget pressures, personnel turnover, and competing demands across its multiple agencies—including ICE, CBP, and FEMA—making the leadership transition a consequential one. Mullin's background in business and Congress will shape how the department executes the administration's immigration agenda in its first months.
Pentagon to remove media offices from building after judge strikes down rules for reporters - CBS News
The Pentagon is removing its media offices from its building after a federal judge struck down rules governing how reporters access the facility. The judge's ruling invalidated Pentagon restrictions that had limited where journalists could work and move within the building. The decision represents a legal setback for Pentagon efforts to control press access to its headquarters. The removal of media offices suggests the Defense Department is responding to the court order rather than fighting the ruling. This outcome underscores ongoing tension between the military's desire to manage information flow and courts' protection of press freedom in federal spaces.
Pentagon to remove media offices after judge strikes down rules for reporters
A federal judge has ruled that the Pentagon's new media access rules violate the Constitution, prompting the Defense Department to overhaul its credentialing system and remove on-site media offices from the building. The military had instituted stricter requirements for reporter access that a court found unconstitutional, likely on First Amendment grounds. The Pentagon's response—issuing new credentials while eliminating permanent media workspace—effectively restructures how journalists cover the department and may limit the press's ability to rapidly report on Pentagon activities. The removal of media offices represents a significant operational change for news organizations that have maintained bureaus at the building for decades. The ruling underscores ongoing tension between the Trump administration and media institutions over press access to government facilities.
Mullin’s Smooth Confirmation Was a Throwback in the Senate
President Trump selected Senator Markwayne Mullin for a Cabinet position, a choice that sailed through Senate confirmation with bipartisan support. Mullin's nomination represents a departure from the contentious confirmation battles that have dominated recent administrations, reflecting his established relationships with colleagues across party lines and throughout Capitol leadership. The smooth confirmation process signals Trump's willingness to nominate candidates with deep institutional ties and broad acceptance in the Senate, rather than pursuing more combative selections. Mullin's confirmation underscores a rare moment of Senate consensus during a period when Cabinet picks have frequently faced partisan gridlock and prolonged debate.
LaGuardia crash underscores pressures on already strained air traffic control workforce - AP News
An incident at LaGuardia Airport has renewed focus on staffing shortages and workload pressures affecting the nation's air traffic control system. Air traffic controllers at major U.S. hubs, including LaGuardia, have faced chronic understaffing and increased flight volumes in recent years, leaving controllers to manage heavy workloads with limited personnel. The crash illustrates the operational risks that can emerge when the system operates under strain, with controllers managing competing demands during peak traffic periods. The incident comes as the FAA and aviation industry grapple with how to address controller retention and recruitment amid burnout and fatigue concerns. Safety advocates have called for increased staffing and improved working conditions to prevent similar accidents.
Media will be restricted to a new Pentagon annex under new policy - Politico
The Pentagon has announced a new policy restricting media access to a designated annex rather than allowing broader access to the building. The move limits journalists' ability to move freely throughout the Defense Department headquarters and gather reporting on military operations and policy decisions. This tightens Trump administration control over Pentagon information flow at a time when the White House has signaled skepticism toward mainstream media coverage. The policy affects how reporters covering defense issues conduct their work and potentially reduces transparency around military activities and decision-making. The restriction represents part of a broader effort by the current administration to manage how defense information reaches the public.
Republicans seek elusive path to restoring DHS funding
House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington is in informal talks with Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham about a second reconciliation bill to fund the Pentagon and potentially the Department of Homeland Security, after DHS funding negotiations stalled. Arrington told Axios on Monday that reconciliation is "the only path to a defense supplemental" and said he is open to adding DHS funding, framing it as a public safety issue. President Trump has blocked a Democratic deal to reopen DHS and rejected Senate Majority Leader John Thune's proposal to fund ICE separately through reconciliation, instead demanding Republicans pass his SAVE America Act first. Graham is convening GOP members this week to discuss the second reconciliation bill, though any package would require offsets in savings—Arrington suggested using fraud recoveries, tariff revenue, or changes to Affordable Care Act payments. Arrington said Republicans have roughly 60 to 90 days to complete the bill before July 4.
Trump says Republicans shouldn't compromise on DHS funding until Congress passes SAVE Act
President Trump is directing Republicans to block any Department of Homeland Security funding agreement with Democrats until Congress passes the SAVE Act. The SAVE Act, which stands for Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, is legislation designed to restrict voting access by noncitizens and tighten voter registration requirements. By conditioning DHS funding on the bill's passage, Trump is using the threat of a government shutdown as leverage to force Democrats to accept Republican immigration and election security priorities. The move puts pressure on Republican lawmakers to maintain party unity on the issue, though Democrats have shown little inclination to support the SAVE Act as written. The tactic underscores Trump's effort to use funding negotiations as a tool for advancing his broader policy agenda on immigration enforcement and voter eligibility.