Senator Lankford to Release Second "Federal Fumbles" Gov't Waste Report

Statement

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced that he will release a second "Federal Fumbles" government waste and solutions report on November 28. Lankford's 2015 report, called "Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball," identified $105 billion in wasteful federal spending, and about $800 billion in negative regulatory impact to the economy. This year's report will identify new examples of waste and duplication in government.

"The American people have signaled a bold new direction for Washington with the election of President-elect Donald Trump," said Lankford. "Although the federal debt wasn't a major focus during the presidential campaign, it remains a serious impending crisis that will hurt job growth, social safety net programs, and the ability for America to remain a world leader.

"The federal debt is now approaching a staggering $20 trillion. Since I came to Washington in 2010, our Republican-controlled Congress has reduced our annual deficit, however, we haven't had a willing partner in the White House to make bold changes to stop the rising debt. Last year, our federal government spent $223 billion, or 6 percent of all discretionary spending, on debt interest payments alone. By the start of the next decade, we will spend more on debt interest than we do on our national defense.

"To lower the debt, we need to grow the economy, and we must root out inefficiencies, duplication, and wasteful spending wherever they exist. This "Federal Fumbles' report will provide specific examples of wasteful spending and unnecessary regulations that are not in the taxpayer's best interest, and show specific solutions for how the federal government can become more efficient. We had some small victories, over the last year, from my 2015 report -- I am hopeful that we can continue to build upon those accomplishments next year."

To do his part to help reduce federal spending in Congress' own operational budget, Lankford has operated his Senatorial office budget far below the allotted amount for each Senator. Since he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, Lankford has given back $230,000 to the Treasury each year.

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