Rand Paul Releases Annual ‘Festivus’ List of Wasteful Government Spending

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) released on Dec. 24 his annual “Festivus” list of wasteful government spending in the past year. “Festivus” is a reference from the iconic TV show “Seinfeld” where the late Jerry Stiller celebrated a holiday of grievances during the Christmas season. “Last Festivus, we bemoaned the national debt nearing $34 trillion. In just a year, Washington’s career politicians and bureaucrats have managed to push it beyond $36 trillion—unsurprisingly, with hardly a second thought,” said Paul in the report. Paul highlighted more than $1 trillion in wasteful spending that included $10 billion on leasing, maintaining, and furnishing almost entirely empty buildings; $4.8 million on influencers; $2.1 million for Paraguayan border security; a $12 million Las Vegas pickleball complex; and $32,596 on breakdancing....