Drag shows, Arabic Sesame Street, lonely rats: GOP senator details how Biden spent $1T on ‘government waste’
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has raised concerns about the Biden administration’s use of taxpayer dollars, citing various instances of what he considers to be wasteful spending. In his annual “Festivus” report, Senator Paul highlighted several questionable expenditures made by the current administration throughout the year.
The 2024 Festivus Waste Report revealed that the Biden-Harris administration allocated over $1 trillion in taxpayer funds this year, including some controversial expenses. For example, a $10,000 grant was given to “Beards on Ice,” an ice skating drag show focused on climate change presented by the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, a self-described “queer cabaret arts organization.”
Moreover, the Agency for International Development (USAID) spent $20 million on a spin-off of Sesame Street in Iraq called “Ahlan Simsim,” aimed at promoting inclusion and mutual respect. The report also highlighted an expenditure of around $1.5 million on studying how young female kittens respond to motion sickness, involving invasive procedures like drilling holes into their skulls to immobilize them.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reportedly provided over $400,000 to New York University (NYU) for a study on whether lonely rats exhibit a higher propensity for seeking cocaine compared to rats in positive environments. Additionally, the Department of the Interior (DOI) allocated $12 million for a pickleball complex in Las Vegas.
The State Department spent $3 million on a program called “Girl-Centered Climate Action” in Brazil, which aims to empower young women to become climate leaders through environmental activism. Senator Paul criticized this initiative, questioning the necessity of such a substantial investment to study the correlation between social isolation, starvation, and increased drug usage in rats.
Furthermore, the Department of Energy (DOE) provided $15.5 billion to automakers to accelerate their transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, funds were allocated to a podcast titled “Magic in the United States,” exploring the evolution of magical beliefs and practices in the country.
Senator Paul also highlighted the Biden administration’s allocation of $2.1 million to secure Paraguay’s border, raising concerns about prioritizing foreign borders over domestic security. The report also mentioned the administration’s spending of $10 billion on maintaining and furnishing largely vacant buildings.
In conclusion, Senator Rand Paul’s Festivus Waste Report sheds light on what he perceives as questionable use of taxpayer dollars by the Biden administration. The report underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and prudent allocation of public funds. As American taxpayers continue to face financial challenges, transparency and accountability in government spending are crucial to ensure the efficient use of resources.
