Budget Watchdog All Federal Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:34:08 -0400 https://www.taxpayer.net/ en-us © 2026 Budget Watchdog All Federal yes eb1d760f-1de8-5faf-9526-aa443a9deebd Taxpayers For Common Sense episodic false The podcast dedicated to making sense of the budget, spending, and tax issues facing the nation. We cut through the partisan rhetoric and talking points to bring you the facts about what's being talked about, bandied about, and pushed in Washington. Budget Watchdog All Federal is brought to you by Taxpayers for Common Sense. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) federal budget, budget watchdog, taxpayers, common sense, congress, white house Taxpayers For Common Sense https://storage.buzzsprout.com/gc4je5f2chz28j9s1d4x1ik2evq1?.jpg Budget Watchdog All Federal https://www.taxpayer.net/ Steve Ellis Adam Belmar The President's FY2027 Budget Request The President's FY2027 Budget Request The president has released his fiscal year 2027 budget request — and buried inside the rhetoric about "historic paradigm shifts" and the end of "fiscal futility" is a $1.5 trillion Pentagon spending request. A 44% increase in a single year. And that's before the Iran War supplemental reportedly in the pipeline.

TCS President Steve Ellis brings in national security analyst Gabe Murphy and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell to cut through the numbers: what the administration is actually proposing, what it would cost, and what it would mean for the programs everyday Americans depend on. The budget calls it discipline. Budget Watchdog AF is going to show you the math.

]]> The president has released his fiscal year 2027 budget request — and buried inside the rhetoric about "historic paradigm shifts" and the end of "fiscal futility" is a $1.5 trillion Pentagon spending request. A 44% increase in a single year. And that's before the Iran War supplemental reportedly in the pipeline.

TCS President Steve Ellis brings in national security analyst Gabe Murphy and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell to cut through the numbers: what the administration is actually proposing, what it would cost, and what it would mean for the programs everyday Americans depend on. The budget calls it discipline. Budget Watchdog AF is going to show you the math.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18996493 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 1016 114 full false Flood Insurance Realities Flood Insurance Realities Taxpayers for Common Sense doesn't just watch Congress — sometimes it sits at the witness table. Last week TCS President Steve Ellis testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance on flood insurance, repetitive loss properties, and mitigation. With reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program on the horizon, we take you inside the hearing room to hear the case he made to lawmakers: the NFIP is $40 billion in the hole, we know which properties keep flooding, we know mitigation works, and the only thing missing is the will to act.

]]> Taxpayers for Common Sense doesn't just watch Congress — sometimes it sits at the witness table. Last week TCS President Steve Ellis testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance on flood insurance, repetitive loss properties, and mitigation. With reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program on the horizon, we take you inside the hearing room to hear the case he made to lawmakers: the NFIP is $40 billion in the hole, we know which properties keep flooding, we know mitigation works, and the only thing missing is the will to act.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18934146 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400 1269 113 full false Iran, War Powers, and the Budget Iran, War Powers, and the Budget Two weeks into the U.S. military campaign against Iran — launched without congressional authorization — the costs are staggering. Estimates put taxpayer exposure at up to $28 billion already, with no clear end in sight. TCS President Steve Ellis sits down with TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy to break down what we know: the human toll, the daily cost of operations, the shifting justifications from the White House, and what Congress has — and hasn't — done about it. From the narrow defeat of War Powers resolutions in both chambers to the administration's reported request for $50 billion in supplemental war funding, Ellis and Murphy examine whether Congress still has the tools to reassert its constitutional war powers authority — and the political will to use them. 

]]> Two weeks into the U.S. military campaign against Iran — launched without congressional authorization — the costs are staggering. Estimates put taxpayer exposure at up to $28 billion already, with no clear end in sight. TCS President Steve Ellis sits down with TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy to break down what we know: the human toll, the daily cost of operations, the shifting justifications from the White House, and what Congress has — and hasn't — done about it. From the narrow defeat of War Powers resolutions in both chambers to the administration's reported request for $50 billion in supplemental war funding, Ellis and Murphy examine whether Congress still has the tools to reassert its constitutional war powers authority — and the political will to use them. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18843476 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400 1535 111 full false The Farm Bill Lives The Farm Bill Lives While breaking news about U.S. military action against Iran dominates the headlines, a consequential piece of legislation quietly cleared a major hurdle in Washington. In the early morning hours of March 5th, after a 20-hour marathon markup session, the House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — dubbed "Farm Bill 2.0." With the priciest farm programs already locked in through last year's reconciliation bill, what's left may look slimmer on paper. But as TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down, don't let the size fool you.

]]> While breaking news about U.S. military action against Iran dominates the headlines, a consequential piece of legislation quietly cleared a major hurdle in Washington. In the early morning hours of March 5th, after a 20-hour marathon markup session, the House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — dubbed "Farm Bill 2.0." With the priciest farm programs already locked in through last year's reconciliation bill, what's left may look slimmer on paper. But as TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down, don't let the size fool you.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18803693 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2211 110 full false Trump Tariff Takedown Trump Tariff Takedown In a historic 6-3 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), holding that the Constitution's taxing power belongs squarely to Congress — not the executive branch. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down the ruling in real time.

The court's majority, which included Trump appointees Gorsuch and Barrett alongside Chief Justice Roberts and the three liberal justices, found that Congress never authorized the president to levy tariffs under IEEPA — and that the word "tariff" doesn't even appear in the law. Steve and Josh trace TCS's position back to Liberation Day and the August tariff escalation episodes, where they argued that a tariff is a tax and that speculative tariff revenue could never be a reliable budget offset. Today's ruling validated that argument.

But don't pop the champagne yet. Steve and Josh walk through what the ruling doesn't do: it doesn't end tariffs. The administration has already signaled it will pursue tariffs under other statutes — Section 232, Section 301, Section 122, and even the ghost of Smoot-Hawley. They also dig into the fiscal fallout: over $133 billion in tariff revenue collected under IEEPA may be subject to refunds, with potential losses of $1.5 trillion over the next decade. With a $38.6 trillion national debt and $1.8 trillion annual deficit, that's not a rounding error.

The bottom line: Congress can no longer hide behind executive tariff revenue to paper over its fiscal failures. The court just slammed shut that escape hatch. Now it's time for Congress to do its job.

]]> In a historic 6-3 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), holding that the Constitution's taxing power belongs squarely to Congress — not the executive branch. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down the ruling in real time.

The court's majority, which included Trump appointees Gorsuch and Barrett alongside Chief Justice Roberts and the three liberal justices, found that Congress never authorized the president to levy tariffs under IEEPA — and that the word "tariff" doesn't even appear in the law. Steve and Josh trace TCS's position back to Liberation Day and the August tariff escalation episodes, where they argued that a tariff is a tax and that speculative tariff revenue could never be a reliable budget offset. Today's ruling validated that argument.

But don't pop the champagne yet. Steve and Josh walk through what the ruling doesn't do: it doesn't end tariffs. The administration has already signaled it will pursue tariffs under other statutes — Section 232, Section 301, Section 122, and even the ghost of Smoot-Hawley. They also dig into the fiscal fallout: over $133 billion in tariff revenue collected under IEEPA may be subject to refunds, with potential losses of $1.5 trillion over the next decade. With a $38.6 trillion national debt and $1.8 trillion annual deficit, that's not a rounding error.

The bottom line: Congress can no longer hide behind executive tariff revenue to paper over its fiscal failures. The court just slammed shut that escape hatch. Now it's time for Congress to do its job.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18720591 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500 1183 109 full false Why Golden Dome is Bad for American Taxpayers Why Golden Dome is Bad for American Taxpayers TCS President Steve Ellis and Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy break down President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense program—an ambitious vision to shield the entire United States from nuclear attack. With potential costs ranging from $3.6 to $6 trillion and fundamental technical challenges that make near-perfect interception virtually impossible, Golden Dome represents fiscal irresponsibility on a massive scale. Congress has already approved over $24 billion without even seeing a basic architecture for how the system would work. We examine why hitting hundreds of nuclear warheads traveling at 15,600 mph is far more complex than Israel's Iron Dome, how nuclear explosions could blind the system's own radars, and why pursuing this program could trigger a dangerous new arms race in space while undermining arms control efforts. Bottom line: if it doesn't work, don't fund it.

]]> TCS President Steve Ellis and Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy break down President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense program—an ambitious vision to shield the entire United States from nuclear attack. With potential costs ranging from $3.6 to $6 trillion and fundamental technical challenges that make near-perfect interception virtually impossible, Golden Dome represents fiscal irresponsibility on a massive scale. Congress has already approved over $24 billion without even seeing a basic architecture for how the system would work. We examine why hitting hundreds of nuclear warheads traveling at 15,600 mph is far more complex than Israel's Iron Dome, how nuclear explosions could blind the system's own radars, and why pursuing this program could trigger a dangerous new arms race in space while undermining arms control efforts. Bottom line: if it doesn't work, don't fund it.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18666360 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500 891 108 full false Short Shutdown Short Shutdown Congress faces a partial government shutdown at midnight over Department of Homeland Security funding—but the border enforcement operations at the center of the fight will continue largely uninterrupted. Last summer's reconciliation bill locked in $170 billion for immigration enforcement through 2029, sitting outside the annual appropriations process. This means agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard could shut down while ICE operations continue with their massive funding increase. TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to break down how Congress gave up the power of the purse, why this shutdown is different from previous ones, and what taxpayers need to understand about budget gimmicks that prioritize political expediency over fiscal accountability. 

]]> Congress faces a partial government shutdown at midnight over Department of Homeland Security funding—but the border enforcement operations at the center of the fight will continue largely uninterrupted. Last summer's reconciliation bill locked in $170 billion for immigration enforcement through 2029, sitting outside the annual appropriations process. This means agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard could shut down while ICE operations continue with their massive funding increase. TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to break down how Congress gave up the power of the purse, why this shutdown is different from previous ones, and what taxpayers need to understand about budget gimmicks that prioritize political expediency over fiscal accountability. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18597874 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 872 107 full false Pentagon Plus-Up: Trump's $1.5 Trillion Defense Proposal Pentagon Plus-Up: Trump's $1.5 Trillion Defense Proposal Just when you thought Pentagon spending couldn't get more out of control, President Trump proposes a 50% budget increase in one year—rocketing Defense spending from $901 billion to $1.5 trillion. That's $500 billion more... and tariffs won't cover it. On Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy break down why this "dream military" proposal is fiscal madness, explore a new executive order targeting defense contractor stock buybacks, and examine why Congress should have a say before military action in Venezuela costs taxpayers even more. The first episode of 2026 pulls no punches on defending your tax dollars. 

]]> Just when you thought Pentagon spending couldn't get more out of control, President Trump proposes a 50% budget increase in one year—rocketing Defense spending from $901 billion to $1.5 trillion. That's $500 billion more... and tariffs won't cover it. On Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy break down why this "dream military" proposal is fiscal madness, explore a new executive order targeting defense contractor stock buybacks, and examine why Congress should have a say before military action in Venezuela costs taxpayers even more. The first episode of 2026 pulls no punches on defending your tax dollars. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18482228 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500 1085 106 full false Inside the $12 Billion Farm Bailout Inside the $12 Billion Farm Bailout The Trump administration has announced a $12 billion agricultural bailout package as trade wars squeeze American farmers—a familiar scenario from the first Trump administration. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to break down the "Farmers to Family Bridge Aid" package, examining who receives payments, what's actually in the relief, and whether a one-time check provides real certainty.

]]> The Trump administration has announced a $12 billion agricultural bailout package as trade wars squeeze American farmers—a familiar scenario from the first Trump administration. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to break down the "Farmers to Family Bridge Aid" package, examining who receives payments, what's actually in the relief, and whether a one-time check provides real certainty.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18345306 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500 956 105 full false FEMA Reform: Billion-Dollar Disasters and the Push for Taxpayer Protection FEMA Reform: Billion-Dollar Disasters and the Push for Taxpayer Protection With nearly 30 billion-dollar extreme weather events in 2024 alone, disaster costs are spiraling out of control—and Congress is finally taking action. Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell and Policy Analyst Tyler Work to examine the FEMA Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that could modernize America's approach to disaster preparedness and response. They explore what the bill gets right—from elevating FEMA back to cabinet-level status to expanding mitigation funding—and where critical gaps remain. The conversation covers transparency reforms, the need for smarter rebuilding standards, the importance of front-end investment over back-end bailouts, and why federal disaster programs must stop subsidizing development in high-risk zones. At stake: whether reform delivers real resilience or just repeats costly mistakes. 

]]> With nearly 30 billion-dollar extreme weather events in 2024 alone, disaster costs are spiraling out of control—and Congress is finally taking action. Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell and Policy Analyst Tyler Work to examine the FEMA Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that could modernize America's approach to disaster preparedness and response. They explore what the bill gets right—from elevating FEMA back to cabinet-level status to expanding mitigation funding—and where critical gaps remain. The conversation covers transparency reforms, the need for smarter rebuilding standards, the importance of front-end investment over back-end bailouts, and why federal disaster programs must stop subsidizing development in high-risk zones. At stake: whether reform delivers real resilience or just repeats costly mistakes. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18294809 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0500 1533 104 full false Half a Billion and Counting: The Hidden Cost of National Guard Deployments Half a Billion and Counting: The Hidden Cost of National Guard Deployments Nearly half a billion dollars spent, families separated over the holidays, small businesses operating short-staffed, and violent crime was already declining. TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy breaks down the mounting taxpayer costs of National Guard deployments to Los Angeles, DC, Chicago, Portland, and Memphis, explaining why these expensive missions are a solution in search of a problem. From the unprecedented legal battles over the Posse Comitatus Act to the economic ripple effects on Guard members' civilian employers, this episode reveals what taxpayers are really paying for when federal troops patrol American cities. With deployments extended through at least February and no end in sight, the price keeps climbing while troops miss training, lose time with loved ones, and stand guard against an emergency that doesn't exist. 

]]> Nearly half a billion dollars spent, families separated over the holidays, small businesses operating short-staffed, and violent crime was already declining. TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy breaks down the mounting taxpayer costs of National Guard deployments to Los Angeles, DC, Chicago, Portland, and Memphis, explaining why these expensive missions are a solution in search of a problem. From the unprecedented legal battles over the Posse Comitatus Act to the economic ripple effects on Guard members' civilian employers, this episode reveals what taxpayers are really paying for when federal troops patrol American cities. With deployments extended through at least February and no end in sight, the price keeps climbing while troops miss training, lose time with loved ones, and stand guard against an emergency that doesn't exist. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18252591 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 685 103 full false Shutdown Postmortem Shutdown Postmortem After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended. But at what cost? Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell break down the $60 billion price tag taxpayers absorbed for absolutely nothing. Beyond the waste, the Trump administration used the shutdown to expand executive control over federal spending, bypassing Congress to reallocate funds and lay off thousands of workers. The compromise bill may have reversed those moves, but it revealed a dangerous willingness to ignore constitutional spending authority. With another shutdown deadline looming on January 30th and Congress punting on actual appropriations bills, the fiscal dysfunction continues. No victories here—just billions wasted and constitutional concerns that should alarm every taxpayer. 

]]> After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended. But at what cost? Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell break down the $60 billion price tag taxpayers absorbed for absolutely nothing. Beyond the waste, the Trump administration used the shutdown to expand executive control over federal spending, bypassing Congress to reallocate funds and lay off thousands of workers. The compromise bill may have reversed those moves, but it revealed a dangerous willingness to ignore constitutional spending authority. With another shutdown deadline looming on January 30th and Congress punting on actual appropriations bills, the fiscal dysfunction continues. No victories here—just billions wasted and constitutional concerns that should alarm every taxpayer. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18187702 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0500 1860 102 full false The Antideficiency Act, Explained The Antideficiency Act, Explained In the midst of a full government shutdown, the Trump administration has taken an unprecedented step: firing thousands of federal workers while government funding remains frozen. The problem? This might violate the Anti-Deficiency Act, a law on the books since 1884 that prevents the government from spending money it doesn't have. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down why conducting reductions-in-force during a shutdown—which trigger severance payments, administrative costs, and legal battles—could be illegal, and why shifting Pentagon funds to pay military salaries sets a dangerous precedent. Whether you think the federal workforce needs trimming or not, the Constitution is clear: Congress controls the purse strings, not the President, and taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for costly legal battles over executive overreach. 

]]> In the midst of a full government shutdown, the Trump administration has taken an unprecedented step: firing thousands of federal workers while government funding remains frozen. The problem? This might violate the Anti-Deficiency Act, a law on the books since 1884 that prevents the government from spending money it doesn't have. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down why conducting reductions-in-force during a shutdown—which trigger severance payments, administrative costs, and legal battles—could be illegal, and why shifting Pentagon funds to pay military salaries sets a dangerous precedent. Whether you think the federal workforce needs trimming or not, the Constitution is clear: Congress controls the purse strings, not the President, and taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for costly legal battles over executive overreach. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-18029545 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400 1686 101 full false TCS Turns 30 TCS Turns 30 Celebrate our 100th episode and TCS's 30th anniversary! Join President Steve Ellis, co-founder Jill Lancelot, and former President Ryan Alexander as they reveal the untold story behind Taxpayers for Common Sense. From killing the infamous Bridge to Nowhere to becoming Washington's most trusted budget voice, discover how this scrappy startup became the go-to source for exposing government waste. Learn their secrets for staying nonpartisan, making dry numbers compelling, and why fighting wasteful spending requires relentless optimism. 

]]> Celebrate our 100th episode and TCS's 30th anniversary! Join President Steve Ellis, co-founder Jill Lancelot, and former President Ryan Alexander as they reveal the untold story behind Taxpayers for Common Sense. From killing the infamous Bridge to Nowhere to becoming Washington's most trusted budget voice, discover how this scrappy startup became the go-to source for exposing government waste. Learn their secrets for staying nonpartisan, making dry numbers compelling, and why fighting wasteful spending requires relentless optimism. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17960729 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1563 100 full false Government Shutdown Countdown Government Shutdown Countdown With just days until a potential government shutdown, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down the looming crisis facing taxpayers. From the controversial "pocket rescission" maneuver to the unprecedented threat of shutting down the entire government—including military pay—this episode reveals the hidden costs of political dysfunction. Learn why shutdowns actually waste taxpayer money at $1.5 billion per day while delivering zero value to American families. 

]]> With just days until a potential government shutdown, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down the looming crisis facing taxpayers. From the controversial "pocket rescission" maneuver to the unprecedented threat of shutting down the entire government—including military pay—this episode reveals the hidden costs of political dysfunction. Learn why shutdowns actually waste taxpayer money at $1.5 billion per day while delivering zero value to American families. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17901594 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0400 1310 99 full false NDAA 2026 and Pentagon Accountability NDAA 2026 and Pentagon Accountability This episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal dives into the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026, examining critical taxpayer protection measures at stake. Host Steve Ellis and policy analyst Gabe Murphy discuss the Pentagon's proposed budget increases, controversial acquisition reform proposals like the FORGED and SPEED Acts, and key amendments, including Pentagon audit accountability measures and right-to-repair provisions. They also cover unfunded priority lists, the costly Golden Dome missile defense program, and recent developments in defense spending that could impact taxpayers for years to come. 

]]> This episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal dives into the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026, examining critical taxpayer protection measures at stake. Host Steve Ellis and policy analyst Gabe Murphy discuss the Pentagon's proposed budget increases, controversial acquisition reform proposals like the FORGED and SPEED Acts, and key amendments, including Pentagon audit accountability measures and right-to-repair provisions. They also cover unfunded priority lists, the costly Golden Dome missile defense program, and recent developments in defense spending that could impact taxpayers for years to come. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17824556 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1269 98 full false 20 Years After Katrina: Are We Still Paying Premium Prices for Poor Planning? 20 Years After Katrina: Are We Still Paying Premium Prices for Poor Planning? Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, we're still making the same costly mistakes. Despite spending over $122 billion on flood control since the 1920s, average annual flood damages had tripled even before Katrina hit. TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to examine how moral hazard, poor planning, and recent policy changes are wasting taxpayer dollars while leaving communities more vulnerable than ever to increasingly frequent and severe disasters. 

]]> Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, we're still making the same costly mistakes. Despite spending over $122 billion on flood control since the 1920s, average annual flood damages had tripled even before Katrina hit. TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to examine how moral hazard, poor planning, and recent policy changes are wasting taxpayer dollars while leaving communities more vulnerable than ever to increasingly frequent and severe disasters. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17634682 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1090 97 full false Up in Smoke: The Methane Waste Crisis Costing Taxpayers Billions Up in Smoke: The Methane Waste Crisis Costing Taxpayers Billions The EPA's delay of methane waste standards will cost taxpayers $170 million as billions of cubic feet of natural gas escape into the atmosphere instead of reaching markets. Host Steve Ellis explores this fiscal and health crisis with TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, Center for Methane Emission Solutions' Isaac Brown, and Evangelical Environmental Network's Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman. From lost royalty revenues to public health impacts, discover why methane waste prevention isn't just environmental policy—it's smart fiscal stewardship. 

]]> The EPA's delay of methane waste standards will cost taxpayers $170 million as billions of cubic feet of natural gas escape into the atmosphere instead of reaching markets. Host Steve Ellis explores this fiscal and health crisis with TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, Center for Methane Emission Solutions' Isaac Brown, and Evangelical Environmental Network's Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman. From lost royalty revenues to public health impacts, discover why methane waste prevention isn't just environmental policy—it's smart fiscal stewardship. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17632478 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1419 96 full false Rule by Tariff: When Trade Policy Meets Wishful Thinking Economics Rule by Tariff: When Trade Policy Meets Wishful Thinking Economics In this episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell tackle the Trump administration's tariff bonanza and explain why counting tariff chickens before they hatch is a recipe for fiscal disaster. They break down how tariffs work (spoiler: American companies pay them), why predicting tariff revenue is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot, and explore lawmakers' creative schemes to spend money that may never materialize. From Senator Josh Hawley's stimulus-style rebate checks to a proposed agricultural fund that essentially uses tariff money to compensate farmers for tariff damage (yes, really), the hosts reveal Washington's latest adventures in wishful thinking economics. Plus: why businesses hate uncertainty almost as much as they hate filling out tax forms, and how "rule by tariff" is making economic forecasters reach for the antacids. 

]]> In this episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell tackle the Trump administration's tariff bonanza and explain why counting tariff chickens before they hatch is a recipe for fiscal disaster. They break down how tariffs work (spoiler: American companies pay them), why predicting tariff revenue is about as reliable as a chocolate teapot, and explore lawmakers' creative schemes to spend money that may never materialize. From Senator Josh Hawley's stimulus-style rebate checks to a proposed agricultural fund that essentially uses tariff money to compensate farmers for tariff damage (yes, really), the hosts reveal Washington's latest adventures in wishful thinking economics. Plus: why businesses hate uncertainty almost as much as they hate filling out tax forms, and how "rule by tariff" is making economic forecasters reach for the antacids. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17609149 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1172 95 full false Who Pays When Disaster Strikes, Now? Who Pays When Disaster Strikes, Now? The Trump administration is proposing fundamental changes to federal disaster response, shifting from FEMA's current model toward block grants that give states more control. The goal: reduce federal bureaucracy and empower local decision-making. But new analysis raises important questions about whether states have the financial capacity to handle major disasters alone.

An Urban Institute study found that only 5 out of 31 disaster-affected states had sufficient reserves to cover what they would lose under proposed changes. Meanwhile, implementation challenges are emerging: delayed disaster declarations, staffing reductions at FEMA, and coordination issues between federal and state agencies.

TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell examine both sides of this debate. While federal disaster response clearly needs reform to improve efficiency and accountability, they explore whether current changes are achieving those goals or creating new problems that could cost taxpayers more in the long run.

]]> The Trump administration is proposing fundamental changes to federal disaster response, shifting from FEMA's current model toward block grants that give states more control. The goal: reduce federal bureaucracy and empower local decision-making. But new analysis raises important questions about whether states have the financial capacity to handle major disasters alone.

An Urban Institute study found that only 5 out of 31 disaster-affected states had sufficient reserves to cover what they would lose under proposed changes. Meanwhile, implementation challenges are emerging: delayed disaster declarations, staffing reductions at FEMA, and coordination issues between federal and state agencies.

TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell examine both sides of this debate. While federal disaster response clearly needs reform to improve efficiency and accountability, they explore whether current changes are achieving those goals or creating new problems that could cost taxpayers more in the long run.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17558407 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400 1916 94 full false Warrior's Right to Repair - When Military Equipment Breaks, Who Gets to Fix It? Warrior's Right to Repair - When Military Equipment Breaks, Who Gets to Fix It? What happens when a CT scanner breaks down in Afghanistan and soldiers can't repair it themselves? Or when the Navy has to fly contractors out to sea just to fix basic equipment? This episode dives into the Pentagon's "right to repair" problem - where service members are blocked from fixing their own gear, costing taxpayers billions and putting missions at risk.

Host Steve Ellis talks with Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette from the Project on Government Oversight and TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy about the bipartisan Warrior's Right to Repair Act. From F-35 fighter jets to broken generators in South Korea, discover how contractor monopolies are keeping our military from maintaining their own equipment - and why 74% of Americans support giving our troops the tools and training to fix what they own.

Can Congress finally break the cycle of costly contractor dependency? Find out why this common-sense reform has everyone from Elizabeth Warren to Republicans rallying behind our service members' right to repair.

]]> What happens when a CT scanner breaks down in Afghanistan and soldiers can't repair it themselves? Or when the Navy has to fly contractors out to sea just to fix basic equipment? This episode dives into the Pentagon's "right to repair" problem - where service members are blocked from fixing their own gear, costing taxpayers billions and putting missions at risk.

Host Steve Ellis talks with Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette from the Project on Government Oversight and TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy about the bipartisan Warrior's Right to Repair Act. From F-35 fighter jets to broken generators in South Korea, discover how contractor monopolies are keeping our military from maintaining their own equipment - and why 74% of Americans support giving our troops the tools and training to fix what they own.

Can Congress finally break the cycle of costly contractor dependency? Find out why this common-sense reform has everyone from Elizabeth Warren to Republicans rallying behind our service members' right to repair.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17470278 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1068 93 full false Feeding the World Without Frying the Planet with Michael Grunwald Feeding the World Without Frying the Planet with Michael Grunwald New York Times bestselling author Michael Grunwald joins host Steve Ellis to discuss his forthcoming book "We Are Eating the Earth: the Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate," coming out July 1st. The episode reveals how agricultural lobbying has created a web of costly policies that benefit agribusiness while exacerbating climate problems. From the biofuels boondoggle that eats up a Texas-sized chunk of farmland to the "faith-based conservation" programs burning through billions in taxpayer dollars, discover why so many "green" agriculture solutions are climate disasters in disguise. 

]]> New York Times bestselling author Michael Grunwald joins host Steve Ellis to discuss his forthcoming book "We Are Eating the Earth: the Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate," coming out July 1st. The episode reveals how agricultural lobbying has created a web of costly policies that benefit agribusiness while exacerbating climate problems. From the biofuels boondoggle that eats up a Texas-sized chunk of farmland to the "faith-based conservation" programs burning through billions in taxpayer dollars, discover why so many "green" agriculture solutions are climate disasters in disguise. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17366537 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2819 92 full false One Big Beautiful Bill, Many Ugly Problems One Big Beautiful Bill, Many Ugly Problems Senate Republicans are scrambling to craft their version of President Trump's massive budget reconciliation package before a self-imposed July 4th deadline – and they're making the House's already bloated bill even worse. The Senate Armed Services Committee wants to throw an additional $6 billion at Pentagon spending, bringing the total national security increase to $156 billion, including more money for the over-budget Sentinel ICBM program and the unfeasible "Golden Dome" missile defense system.

Meanwhile, other provisions would roll back hard-won oil and gas reforms, slashing royalty rates from 16.67% back to 12.5% and reinstating a non-competitive leasing loophole that lets companies grab federal land for just $75. With most Senate committees skipping markup hearings to meet the artificial deadline, this reconciliation package is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and least transparent in recent memory.

TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy, and Director of Research Josh Sewell break down the wasteful spending, parliamentary hurdles, and political realities facing this "one big beautiful bill.

]]> Senate Republicans are scrambling to craft their version of President Trump's massive budget reconciliation package before a self-imposed July 4th deadline – and they're making the House's already bloated bill even worse. The Senate Armed Services Committee wants to throw an additional $6 billion at Pentagon spending, bringing the total national security increase to $156 billion, including more money for the over-budget Sentinel ICBM program and the unfeasible "Golden Dome" missile defense system.

Meanwhile, other provisions would roll back hard-won oil and gas reforms, slashing royalty rates from 16.67% back to 12.5% and reinstating a non-competitive leasing loophole that lets companies grab federal land for just $75. With most Senate committees skipping markup hearings to meet the artificial deadline, this reconciliation package is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and least transparent in recent memory.

TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy, and Director of Research Josh Sewell break down the wasteful spending, parliamentary hurdles, and political realities facing this "one big beautiful bill.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17331541 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1126 91 full false Are Tariffs Offsetting the New Tax Cut? What the CBO Report Really Says Are Tariffs Offsetting the New Tax Cut? What the CBO Report Really Says The Congressional Budget Office just dropped a bombshell: Trump's tariff policies could reduce deficits by $2.8 trillion over 10 years. Sounds great for fiscal hawks, right? Wrong. Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell break down why this "deficit reduction" is actually a massive tax increase on American families disguised as trade policy. From 25% tariffs on cars to inflation hitting working families hardest, discover why the CBO's projections are both critically important and complete fiction. Plus: Why a $9.4 billion rescission package feels like arguing over the bar tab while your house is on fire. 

]]> The Congressional Budget Office just dropped a bombshell: Trump's tariff policies could reduce deficits by $2.8 trillion over 10 years. Sounds great for fiscal hawks, right? Wrong. Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell break down why this "deficit reduction" is actually a massive tax increase on American families disguised as trade policy. From 25% tariffs on cars to inflation hitting working families hardest, discover why the CBO's projections are both critically important and complete fiction. Plus: Why a $9.4 billion rescission package feels like arguing over the bar tab while your house is on fire. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17293570 Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1617 90 full false Base Instincts - The Case for Military Base Closures Base Instincts - The Case for Military Base Closures In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy to discuss their comprehensive new report, "Base Instincts: A Case for Base Realignment and Closures at Home and Abroad."

Nearly 20 years have passed since the last Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in 2005, yet the Pentagon continues to operate with significant excess infrastructure capacity. Murphy reveals striking findings from recent Pentagon reports showing 19-22% excess capacity across military installations, while also uncovering troubling inconsistencies in how this excess is being reported and measured.

The conversation explores why BRAC - a unique congressional process that packages base closure recommendations into an up-or-down vote - has been such an effective tool for eliminating wasteful spending, saving taxpayers an estimated $13.8 billion annually from previous rounds. Murphy breaks down what went wrong with the costly 2005 round, including problematic "joint basing" initiatives and contractor-driven cost overruns that have made lawmakers hesitant to authorize new closures.

Challenging common assumptions about the economic impact of base closures, the hosts examine data showing that affected communities often see unemployment drop and income rise in the decade following closures, when proper redevelopment planning occurs. The episode also addresses the Pentagon's overseas footprint of 750 bases in 80 countries, costing $55 billion annually.

With deferred maintenance backlogs reaching $137 billion and ongoing fiscal pressures, Ellis and Murphy make the case that a new BRAC round could save an additional $2.7 billion per year while enhancing both fiscal responsibility and national security.

]]> In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy to discuss their comprehensive new report, "Base Instincts: A Case for Base Realignment and Closures at Home and Abroad."

Nearly 20 years have passed since the last Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in 2005, yet the Pentagon continues to operate with significant excess infrastructure capacity. Murphy reveals striking findings from recent Pentagon reports showing 19-22% excess capacity across military installations, while also uncovering troubling inconsistencies in how this excess is being reported and measured.

The conversation explores why BRAC - a unique congressional process that packages base closure recommendations into an up-or-down vote - has been such an effective tool for eliminating wasteful spending, saving taxpayers an estimated $13.8 billion annually from previous rounds. Murphy breaks down what went wrong with the costly 2005 round, including problematic "joint basing" initiatives and contractor-driven cost overruns that have made lawmakers hesitant to authorize new closures.

Challenging common assumptions about the economic impact of base closures, the hosts examine data showing that affected communities often see unemployment drop and income rise in the decade following closures, when proper redevelopment planning occurs. The episode also addresses the Pentagon's overseas footprint of 750 bases in 80 countries, costing $55 billion annually.

With deferred maintenance backlogs reaching $137 billion and ongoing fiscal pressures, Ellis and Murphy make the case that a new BRAC round could save an additional $2.7 billion per year while enhancing both fiscal responsibility and national security.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17230212 Wed, 28 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2076 89 full false Big Beautiful Bill: Trump's $5 Trillion Gamble Big Beautiful Bill: Trump's $5 Trillion Gamble In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell break down President Trump's massive reconciliation package that passed the House by the razor-thin margin of 215-214. The "one big beautiful bill" extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, exempts tips and overtime from taxes, raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, and makes significant cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. While the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill adds $3.3 trillion to the deficit, the real cost could reach $5.2 trillion when accounting for budget gimmicks.

]]> In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell break down President Trump's massive reconciliation package that passed the House by the razor-thin margin of 215-214. The "one big beautiful bill" extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, exempts tips and overtime from taxes, raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, and makes significant cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. While the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill adds $3.3 trillion to the deficit, the real cost could reach $5.2 trillion when accounting for budget gimmicks.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17212416 Thu, 22 May 2025 19:00:00 -0400 1547 88 full false Slashing and Shifting: Inside President Trump's FY2026 Budget Proposal Slashing and Shifting: Inside President Trump's FY2026 Budget Proposal In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell analyze President Trump's newly released "skinny budget" for fiscal year 2026, which proposes $163 billion in cuts primarily to domestic programs while increasing funding for defense, homeland security, and border security. Get the TCS take on how these dramatic spending shifts might impact vulnerable populations, and whether these changes would meaningfully address the nation's growing debt.

]]> In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell analyze President Trump's newly released "skinny budget" for fiscal year 2026, which proposes $163 billion in cuts primarily to domestic programs while increasing funding for defense, homeland security, and border security. Get the TCS take on how these dramatic spending shifts might impact vulnerable populations, and whether these changes would meaningfully address the nation's growing debt.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17125763 Thu, 08 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400 1304 87 full false Warrior Ethos vs. Taxpayer Reality: The Pentagon's Waste Paradox Warrior Ethos vs. Taxpayer Reality: The Pentagon's Waste Paradox In this eye-opening episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy to dissect President Trump's recent executive order on "Modernizing Defense Acquisitions." Despite promising language about cutting Pentagon waste, Murphy reveals how this order actually undermines transparency and accountability. The conversation exposes the stunning contrast between rhetoric and reality: while the Pentagon struggles to identify even $80 million in waste from its $850 billion budget, the administration simultaneously pushes for a trillion-dollar defense budget. Ellis and Murphy break down the alarming expansion of "commercial solutions" designation, problematic weapons systems like the F-35 fighter and Sentinel ICBM, and the parallel assault on acquisition regulations. This essential episode offers taxpayers a clear-eyed view of how the Pentagon's wasteful spending persists despite promises of reform. 

]]> In this eye-opening episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis sits down with TCS Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy to dissect President Trump's recent executive order on "Modernizing Defense Acquisitions." Despite promising language about cutting Pentagon waste, Murphy reveals how this order actually undermines transparency and accountability. The conversation exposes the stunning contrast between rhetoric and reality: while the Pentagon struggles to identify even $80 million in waste from its $850 billion budget, the administration simultaneously pushes for a trillion-dollar defense budget. Ellis and Murphy break down the alarming expansion of "commercial solutions" designation, problematic weapons systems like the F-35 fighter and Sentinel ICBM, and the parallel assault on acquisition regulations. This essential episode offers taxpayers a clear-eyed view of how the Pentagon's wasteful spending persists despite promises of reform. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-17043015 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0400 875 86 full false Fiscal Smoke and Mirrors Fiscal Smoke and Mirrors In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell expose the deceptive budgeting tactics being employed in Washington and how this accounting gimmick allows lawmakers to pretend that extending expiring tax cuts costs nothing while actually adding trillions to the national debt. 




]]> In this episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell expose the deceptive budgeting tactics being employed in Washington and how this accounting gimmick allows lawmakers to pretend that extending expiring tax cuts costs nothing while actually adding trillions to the national debt. 




]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16952921 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0400 808 85 full false Tariffs and Tax Cuts: The Hidden Cost of 'Liberation Day' Tariffs and Tax Cuts: The Hidden Cost of 'Liberation Day' In this timely episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell dive into President Trump's newly declared "Liberation Day" and the economic implications of his sweeping tariff plan. As the national debt exceeds $36 trillion, this episode provides essential context on how these fiscal maneuvers could further burden American taxpayers for generations to come.

]]> In this timely episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell dive into President Trump's newly declared "Liberation Day" and the economic implications of his sweeping tariff plan. As the national debt exceeds $36 trillion, this episode provides essential context on how these fiscal maneuvers could further burden American taxpayers for generations to come.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16899828 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400 1783 84 full false Beyond the CR: How Congress Ceded Power Beyond the CR: How Congress Ceded Power In this revealing episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, Steve Ellis, Josh Sewell, and Gabe Murphy dissect the March 2025 continuing resolution that's anything but "continuing." They expose how HR 1968 gives unprecedented flexibility to the Pentagon with a $6 billion boost and expanded transfer authority while cutting $13 billion from domestic programs. The team explains how this unusual full-year CR weakens congressional oversight by blocking challenges to presidential emergency declarations and tariff policies. Discover why this legislation represents a concerning shift in the separation of powers and what it means for taxpayers when Congress relinquishes its constitutional authority over spending. Is this CR really about keeping the government running, or is it a power grab that undermines democratic accountability?






]]> In this revealing episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal, Steve Ellis, Josh Sewell, and Gabe Murphy dissect the March 2025 continuing resolution that's anything but "continuing." They expose how HR 1968 gives unprecedented flexibility to the Pentagon with a $6 billion boost and expanded transfer authority while cutting $13 billion from domestic programs. The team explains how this unusual full-year CR weakens congressional oversight by blocking challenges to presidential emergency declarations and tariff policies. Discover why this legislation represents a concerning shift in the separation of powers and what it means for taxpayers when Congress relinquishes its constitutional authority over spending. Is this CR really about keeping the government running, or is it a power grab that undermines democratic accountability?






]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16819813 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400 1277 83 full false Farms First Again? Farms First Again? As America engages in another trade war, Budget Watchdog All Federal shares firsthand insights from the nation's largest farmer-focused agricultural convention, the Commodity Classic. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell dives into Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' pledge to "Make Agriculture Great Again" amid the current administration's unpredictable policy environment. Josh breaks down the recently approved $30.8 billion in agricultural disaster spending and the eye-opening statistics from TCS's updated report on crop insurance subsidies, which shows farmers receiving $54 billion more in payouts than premiums paid over the last decade.

]]> As America engages in another trade war, Budget Watchdog All Federal shares firsthand insights from the nation's largest farmer-focused agricultural convention, the Commodity Classic. TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell dives into Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' pledge to "Make Agriculture Great Again" amid the current administration's unpredictable policy environment. Josh breaks down the recently approved $30.8 billion in agricultural disaster spending and the eye-opening statistics from TCS's updated report on crop insurance subsidies, which shows farmers receiving $54 billion more in payouts than premiums paid over the last decade.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16774082 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0400 1901 82 full false DOGE Needs to Hunt for Real Budget Savings DOGE Needs to Hunt for Real Budget Savings In this illuminating discussion, Budget Watchdog host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell examine why the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) approach to federal budget cuts is misguided and potentially counterproductive.


e6FNx7C9sJOrxAXNf338

]]> In this illuminating discussion, Budget Watchdog host Steve Ellis and TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell examine why the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) approach to federal budget cuts is misguided and potentially counterproductive.


e6FNx7C9sJOrxAXNf338

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16710926 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1497 81 full false Reconciliation Roulette: Congress's High-Stakes Budget Game Reconciliation Roulette: Congress's High-Stakes Budget Game In this timely episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell dive deep into the complexities of budget reconciliation as Congress grapples with competing strategies in early 2025. They explore the stark differences between the House's "one big beautiful bill" approach and the Senate's two-bill strategy, breaking down how reconciliation works, its limitations under the Byrd Rule, and the massive fiscal implications of proposed spending increases and tax cut extensions. The conversation highlights the cognitive dissonance between simultaneous pushes for defense spending cuts and increases while examining how the process could add trillions to America's already staggering $36 trillion national debt. 

]]> In this timely episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell dive deep into the complexities of budget reconciliation as Congress grapples with competing strategies in early 2025. They explore the stark differences between the House's "one big beautiful bill" approach and the Senate's two-bill strategy, breaking down how reconciliation works, its limitations under the Byrd Rule, and the massive fiscal implications of proposed spending increases and tax cut extensions. The conversation highlights the cognitive dissonance between simultaneous pushes for defense spending cuts and increases while examining how the process could add trillions to America's already staggering $36 trillion national debt. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16664433 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1295 80 full false What Happened with the CR What Happened with the CR A just-in-time CR extending current funding levels until March 14, 2025, narrowly averted a government shutdown. So what's in it? Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell take you inside the deal, including $100 billion in disaster relief, $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, and a one-year extension of the farm bill.  Get the details on the grab bag of other stuff left on the cutting room floor.

]]> A just-in-time CR extending current funding levels until March 14, 2025, narrowly averted a government shutdown. So what's in it? Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell take you inside the deal, including $100 billion in disaster relief, $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, and a one-year extension of the farm bill.  Get the details on the grab bag of other stuff left on the cutting room floor.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16331459 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0500 1675 79 full false Reality Check: Can Elon Musk's Team Really Cut $2 Trillion in a Year? Reality Check: Can Elon Musk's Team Really Cut $2 Trillion in a Year? Get the reality check on America's daunting fiscal challenges and why both parties must face hard truths about spending, taxes, and debt. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell dissect the bold claims of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. While fresh eyes on Washington's spending problems are welcome, can Silicon Valley-style disruption work in the federal budget? Find out why eliminating "unauthorized" programs and firing federal workers won't come close to the promised savings and why ignoring entitlements like Social Security and Medicare is a recipe for fiscal disaster. 

]]> Get the reality check on America's daunting fiscal challenges and why both parties must face hard truths about spending, taxes, and debt. TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research Josh Sewell dissect the bold claims of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. While fresh eyes on Washington's spending problems are welcome, can Silicon Valley-style disruption work in the federal budget? Find out why eliminating "unauthorized" programs and firing federal workers won't come close to the promised savings and why ignoring entitlements like Social Security and Medicare is a recipe for fiscal disaster. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16261149 Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 1780 78 full false Lame Duck, Big Bucks: Congress's Last-Minute Spending Sprint Lame Duck, Big Bucks: Congress's Last-Minute Spending Sprint With critical deadlines looming and major legislation hanging in the balance, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Policy Josh Sewell dive into what's at stake during Congress's lame duck session. They break down the pressing December 20th government funding deadline, the stalled Farm Bill reauthorization, and the likelihood of an emergency supplemental spending bill for recent disaster relief. Whether you're concerned about government spending or just want to understand what's happening in Washington, this timely discussion cuts through the partisan rhetoric to deliver the facts about the critical decisions facing Congress in its final weeks of 2024. 

]]> With critical deadlines looming and major legislation hanging in the balance, TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Policy Josh Sewell dive into what's at stake during Congress's lame duck session. They break down the pressing December 20th government funding deadline, the stalled Farm Bill reauthorization, and the likelihood of an emergency supplemental spending bill for recent disaster relief. Whether you're concerned about government spending or just want to understand what's happening in Washington, this timely discussion cuts through the partisan rhetoric to deliver the facts about the critical decisions facing Congress in its final weeks of 2024. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-16071986 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500 1521 1 76 full false Pumping Profits or Storing Carbon? Oversight Gaps in Carbon Capture Subsidies Pumping Profits or Storing Carbon? Oversight Gaps in Carbon Capture Subsidies Taxpayers for Common Sense explores the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage, its expansion, and concerns about its implementation, oversight, and potential misuse as a subsidy for oil production. 

]]> Taxpayers for Common Sense explores the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage, its expansion, and concerns about its implementation, oversight, and potential misuse as a subsidy for oil production. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15932230 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1168 1 75 full false Helene's High Cost Helene's High Cost TCS Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to help answer the multi-billion dollar question: Who Pays When Disaster Strikes? 

]]> TCS Director of Research & Policy Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to help answer the multi-billion dollar question: Who Pays When Disaster Strikes? 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15865505 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0400 1513 1 74 full false USACE Boondoggle USACE Boondoggle When a wasteful government program like the Yazoo Area Pump Project is killed, it oughta stay dead. But the US Army Corps of Engineers has this pet zombie hidden in the Mississippi backwater. Listen to find out how taxpayers could be on the hook for billions in an attempt to unnecessarily re-plumb the Mississippi River and its tributaries. An environmental and fiscal disaster that benefits only a handful of farmers who are growing subsidized commodities in the floodplain.

]]> When a wasteful government program like the Yazoo Area Pump Project is killed, it oughta stay dead. But the US Army Corps of Engineers has this pet zombie hidden in the Mississippi backwater. Listen to find out how taxpayers could be on the hook for billions in an attempt to unnecessarily re-plumb the Mississippi River and its tributaries. An environmental and fiscal disaster that benefits only a handful of farmers who are growing subsidized commodities in the floodplain.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15702492 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1606 1 73 full false Dear Elon Dear Elon We hear you! Hit play for the merits of the Elon Musk-style commission on government efficiency. TCS stalwarts Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell emphasize the need for bipartisan support, tackling both spending and revenue issues, and going beyond just eliminating waste. 

]]> We hear you! Hit play for the merits of the Elon Musk-style commission on government efficiency. TCS stalwarts Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell emphasize the need for bipartisan support, tackling both spending and revenue issues, and going beyond just eliminating waste. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15594689 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400 1262 1 72 full false Pentagon's Unsustainable Spending: The Sentinel ICBM and Next-Gen Fighter Dilemma Pentagon's Unsustainable Spending: The Sentinel ICBM and Next-Gen Fighter Dilemma Pentagon spending plans are spiraling out of control. From ICBMs to next-gen fighters, costs are skyrocketing while strategic benefits remain unclear. Dive into the fiscal chaos as we unpack the Air Force's budget woes and question whether these ambitious projects truly serve national security interests.

]]> Pentagon spending plans are spiraling out of control. From ICBMs to next-gen fighters, costs are skyrocketing while strategic benefits remain unclear. Dive into the fiscal chaos as we unpack the Air Force's budget woes and question whether these ambitious projects truly serve national security interests.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15470232 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400 1042 1 72 full false CBO Bombshell CBO Bombshell The Congressional Budget Office just released a bomb with their latest projections for the federal budget deficit.  They're projecting a federal budget deficit of nearly $2 trillion for fiscal year 2024. That's about $400 billion more than what they projected just four months ago in February, marking a 27% increase.  TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Director of Research and Policy, Josh Sewell for the bomb damage assessment.

]]> The Congressional Budget Office just released a bomb with their latest projections for the federal budget deficit.  They're projecting a federal budget deficit of nearly $2 trillion for fiscal year 2024. That's about $400 billion more than what they projected just four months ago in February, marking a 27% increase.  TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Director of Research and Policy, Josh Sewell for the bomb damage assessment.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15323624 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0400 715 1 71 full false Pentagon Budget Update (NDAA & UPLs) Pentagon Budget Update (NDAA & UPLs) Join host Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, and policy analyst Gabe Murphy as they dive deep into the murky waters of Pentagon budgeting on the latest episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal. Steve and Gabe expose the partisan gridlock threatening to derail the NDAA and shine a light on the Senate's misguided $25 billion Pentagon budget increase. They'll arm you with the facts to resist calls for tying military spending to GDP and reveal the hidden influence of Pentagon contractors. Hit play for an eye-opening look at the high stakes of the appropriations process!

]]> Join host Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, and policy analyst Gabe Murphy as they dive deep into the murky waters of Pentagon budgeting on the latest episode of Budget Watchdog All Federal. Steve and Gabe expose the partisan gridlock threatening to derail the NDAA and shine a light on the Senate's misguided $25 billion Pentagon budget increase. They'll arm you with the facts to resist calls for tying military spending to GDP and reveal the hidden influence of Pentagon contractors. Hit play for an eye-opening look at the high stakes of the appropriations process!

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15252859 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1094 1 70 full false Farm Bill Farm Bill In this revealing episode of Budget Watchdog AF, Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell dive deep into the House Agriculture Committee's recently passed Farm Bill. With a $1.5 trillion price tag, the bill is loaded with loopholes and giveaways for special interests, while failing to prioritize those truly in need of taxpayer support.

]]> In this revealing episode of Budget Watchdog AF, Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell dive deep into the House Agriculture Committee's recently passed Farm Bill. With a $1.5 trillion price tag, the bill is loaded with loopholes and giveaways for special interests, while failing to prioritize those truly in need of taxpayer support.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15167151 Thu, 30 May 2024 19:00:00 -0400 1557 1 69 full false National Defense Authorization Act Update National Defense Authorization Act Update The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) caps national security spending at $895 billion in 2025, but changes to the Pentagon's budget request may not hold as the budget process moves forward. TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy joins host Steve Ellis with an analysis of the potential for Congress to exceed these caps, the Navy's shipbuilding budget and the F-35.

]]> The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) caps national security spending at $895 billion in 2025, but changes to the Pentagon's budget request may not hold as the budget process moves forward. TCS policy analyst Gabe Murphy joins host Steve Ellis with an analysis of the potential for Congress to exceed these caps, the Navy's shipbuilding budget and the F-35.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15083059 Thu, 16 May 2024 17:00:00 -0400 950 1 68 full false Earmarks Update Earmarks Update Lawmakers in the 118th Congress again have the power to “bringing home the bacon” with federal dollars to specific projects in their home states and districts. Has transparency worked to provide scrutiny and limit potential abuse? TCS  Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell and TCS Research Associate Chris Howe-Smith join host Steve Ellis for a critical update on Earmarks (see: Congressionally Directed Funding ).

]]> Lawmakers in the 118th Congress again have the power to “bringing home the bacon” with federal dollars to specific projects in their home states and districts. Has transparency worked to provide scrutiny and limit potential abuse? TCS  Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell and TCS Research Associate Chris Howe-Smith join host Steve Ellis for a critical update on Earmarks (see: Congressionally Directed Funding ).

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-15007346 Fri, 03 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1914 1 67 full false Who Pays When Disaster Strikes? Who Pays When Disaster Strikes? What is the role of the federal government in responding to disaster, particularly when the tragedy is manmade? TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by Michael Surrusco and Chris Howe-Smith for a discussion about the Baltimore bridge collapse and the financial impact on taxpayers. 

]]> What is the role of the federal government in responding to disaster, particularly when the tragedy is manmade? TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by Michael Surrusco and Chris Howe-Smith for a discussion about the Baltimore bridge collapse and the financial impact on taxpayers. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14859799 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400 1335 1 66 full false FY '25 Budget Request FY '25 Budget Request Budget Watchdog AF considers President Biden’s $7.3 Trillion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request. A budget that proposes a 4.5% cut in discretionary spending from the previous fiscal year and a reduction in budget deficits by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. But how rosy are the economic growth projections upon which this budget request is built?  And what gimmicks are baked in there to create illusions in the out years? TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Director of Policy and Research Josh Sewell and Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy.



]]> Budget Watchdog AF considers President Biden’s $7.3 Trillion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request. A budget that proposes a 4.5% cut in discretionary spending from the previous fiscal year and a reduction in budget deficits by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. But how rosy are the economic growth projections upon which this budget request is built?  And what gimmicks are baked in there to create illusions in the out years? TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Director of Policy and Research Josh Sewell and Policy Analyst Gabe Murphy.



]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14740495 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0400 1522 1 65 full false Impasse Impasse The impasse in the divided and chaotic U.S. Congress over funding of the federal government has reached another inflection point. Join TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell for a look at the costs and implications for taxpayers. 

]]> The impasse in the divided and chaotic U.S. Congress over funding of the federal government has reached another inflection point. Join TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell for a look at the costs and implications for taxpayers. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14604425 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1337 1 64 full false 2024 Farm Bill Update 2024 Farm Bill Update Are farm subsidies wasteful spending? What impact will new economic data have on the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization? TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell and Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Korth get their hands dirty coming up with answers. 

]]> Are farm subsidies wasteful spending? What impact will new economic data have on the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization? TCS Director of Research Josh Sewell and Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Korth get their hands dirty coming up with answers. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14497703 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0500 1572 1 63 full false War Footing: National Defense Industrial Strategy War Footing: National Defense Industrial Strategy The Biden administration's National Defense Industrial Strategy will significantly impact taxpayers. Is the aim to strengthen US defense capabilities or put America on a permanent war footing? The NDIS contains contradictions, especially considering taxpayers will soon pay more each year to service the nation's debt than on the military. Hit play to hear TCS National Security Analyst Gabe Murphy and host Steve Ellis explain the details and why Congress should scrutinize the NDIS and its potential impact on taxpayers.

]]> The Biden administration's National Defense Industrial Strategy will significantly impact taxpayers. Is the aim to strengthen US defense capabilities or put America on a permanent war footing? The NDIS contains contradictions, especially considering taxpayers will soon pay more each year to service the nation's debt than on the military. Hit play to hear TCS National Security Analyst Gabe Murphy and host Steve Ellis explain the details and why Congress should scrutinize the NDIS and its potential impact on taxpayers.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14416127 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1093 1 62 full false Back to the Brink Back to the Brink On Jan. 19th, 2024, funding runs out for roughly 20 percent of the U.S. Government — including essential programs like some veterans assistance and food and drug safety services.  The funding for the rest of the government runs out on Feb. 2. Hit play to get up to speed on the state of play in Congress with Host Steve Ellis and special guests Josh Sewell and Mike Surrusco.

]]> On Jan. 19th, 2024, funding runs out for roughly 20 percent of the U.S. Government — including essential programs like some veterans assistance and food and drug safety services.  The funding for the rest of the government runs out on Feb. 2. Hit play to get up to speed on the state of play in Congress with Host Steve Ellis and special guests Josh Sewell and Mike Surrusco.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14293298 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1265 1 61 full false Crop Insurance Subsidies Crop Insurance Subsidies It’s never too late to harvest savings for taxpayers. On this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, we dig deep and root out the egregious taxpayer subsidies being sent to foreign insurers and large mega-farms.

]]> It’s never too late to harvest savings for taxpayers. On this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, we dig deep and root out the egregious taxpayer subsidies being sent to foreign insurers and large mega-farms.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14138165 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:00:00 -0500 1350 1 60 full false Fiscal Commission Fiscal Commission Admitting you have a problem is the first step. And Houston, we have a problem. America’s fiscal health is in grave danger. Host Steve Ellis is joined by Josh Sewell and Mike Surrusco to consider the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission to address our nation’s unsustainable national debt and the pending insolvency of critical government programs. 

]]> Admitting you have a problem is the first step. And Houston, we have a problem. America’s fiscal health is in grave danger. Host Steve Ellis is joined by Josh Sewell and Mike Surrusco to consider the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission to address our nation’s unsustainable national debt and the pending insolvency of critical government programs. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-14065454 Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0500 1734 1 59 full false Budget Crisis Budget Crisis In what might be considered a victory, the passage of another continuing resolution comes with its own kind of damage.  TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis for a discussion about how taxpayers stand to lose from the passage of a clean CR.

]]> In what might be considered a victory, the passage of another continuing resolution comes with its own kind of damage.  TCS Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis for a discussion about how taxpayers stand to lose from the passage of a clean CR.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13970846 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0500 1415 58 full false Halloween Special Halloween Special All Hallows’ Eve is upon us! And 2023 has been uncommonly spooky. Disappearances. Hauntings. Bloodletting. So, if you dare look deeper - if you seek to hear more.  Enter the haunted dome of Capitol Hill and come face to face with the real ghouls, monsters, and fiscal horrors that lurk in the shadows. 

]]> All Hallows’ Eve is upon us! And 2023 has been uncommonly spooky. Disappearances. Hauntings. Bloodletting. So, if you dare look deeper - if you seek to hear more.  Enter the haunted dome of Capitol Hill and come face to face with the real ghouls, monsters, and fiscal horrors that lurk in the shadows. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13874665 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0400 669 1 57 full false National Security Spending Update National Security Spending Update TCS National Security Analyst Gabe Murphy joins Steve Ellis with an important update on America's military budget and spending issues. Hit play for the latest on the defense budget, military aid to Ukraine, the F-35 fighter jet, the Marine Corps transformation plan, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rule, that guides the Pentagon's role in addressing climate change.

]]> TCS National Security Analyst Gabe Murphy joins Steve Ellis with an important update on America's military budget and spending issues. Hit play for the latest on the defense budget, military aid to Ukraine, the F-35 fighter jet, the Marine Corps transformation plan, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rule, that guides the Pentagon's role in addressing climate change.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13814717 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1580 1 56 full false Shutdown Avoided or Postponed? Shutdown Avoided or Postponed? It turns out that avoiding the self-inflicted fiscal damage of a government shutdown was merely the beginning of a historic and even more highly chaotic period in the US House of Representatives.  Just before noon on Tuesday, October 3rd a rebellion led by Representative Matt Gaetz, a far-right Republican from Florida led to the House voting 216-210 to oust McCarthy. Why? Because on Saturday the Speaker relied on Democratic votes to help pass a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown. That's where TCS president Steve Ellis picks up the story with analysis from TCS VP Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell.

]]> It turns out that avoiding the self-inflicted fiscal damage of a government shutdown was merely the beginning of a historic and even more highly chaotic period in the US House of Representatives.  Just before noon on Tuesday, October 3rd a rebellion led by Representative Matt Gaetz, a far-right Republican from Florida led to the House voting 216-210 to oust McCarthy. Why? Because on Saturday the Speaker relied on Democratic votes to help pass a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown. That's where TCS president Steve Ellis picks up the story with analysis from TCS VP Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13724356 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0400 1146 1 55 full false Hail Mary Pass? Or Fiscal Fumble? Hail Mary Pass? Or Fiscal Fumble? We are on the edge of our seats waiting to see if Congress can complete a Hail Mary pass to keep the government running and give lawmakers time to pass the dozen annual spending bills.  The Senate has the ball and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is lined up in the shotgun position, hoping to connect on a last-minute six-week Continuing Resolution. TCS star players Autumn Hanna and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis on the sidelines with expert analysis and color commentary.    

]]> We are on the edge of our seats waiting to see if Congress can complete a Hail Mary pass to keep the government running and give lawmakers time to pass the dozen annual spending bills.  The Senate has the ball and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is lined up in the shotgun position, hoping to connect on a last-minute six-week Continuing Resolution. TCS star players Autumn Hanna and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis on the sidelines with expert analysis and color commentary.    

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13674521 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400 1436 1 54 full false Oil and Gas Update with Russell Kuhlman, Nevada Wildlife Federation Oil and Gas Update with Russell Kuhlman, Nevada Wildlife Federation Oil & Gas Leasing in Nevada is trouble for taxpayers.  Host Steve Ellis and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna are joined by Russell Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation for a discussion about bonding requirements, federal royalty rates, and what constitutes a fair return for taxpayers. 

]]> Oil & Gas Leasing in Nevada is trouble for taxpayers.  Host Steve Ellis and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna are joined by Russell Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation for a discussion about bonding requirements, federal royalty rates, and what constitutes a fair return for taxpayers. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13621829 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400 1886 1 53 full false Deadline Pressure Deadline Pressure Lawmakers are back and the September 30 deadline to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2024 — or to pass a continuing resolution for stopgap funding until negotiators can agree on appropriations — looms larger by the minute. Can Speaker Kevin McCarthy unite his fractured conference on spending?  Will there be a government shutdown?  And how much money would it cost taxpayers?  TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to find the answers.

]]> Lawmakers are back and the September 30 deadline to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2024 — or to pass a continuing resolution for stopgap funding until negotiators can agree on appropriations — looms larger by the minute. Can Speaker Kevin McCarthy unite his fractured conference on spending?  Will there be a government shutdown?  And how much money would it cost taxpayers?  TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis to find the answers.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13564467 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400 1561 1 52 full false Downgraded Downgraded The recent credit rating downgrade of the United States government by Fitch Ratings might have been met with alarm bells and market tremors.  It was not.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Josh Sewell, and TCS Director of Special Projects, Mike Surrusco,  to shed light, context, and analysis of the underlying issues that continue to simmer.

]]> The recent credit rating downgrade of the United States government by Fitch Ratings might have been met with alarm bells and market tremors.  It was not.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Josh Sewell, and TCS Director of Special Projects, Mike Surrusco,  to shed light, context, and analysis of the underlying issues that continue to simmer.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13490590 Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400 1809 1 51 full false Farm Bill: Succeeding Without Subsidies Farm Bill: Succeeding Without Subsidies Ten billion taxpayer dollars per year in subsidies won’t fix farmers’ problems.  Why? Because dollars alone won’t solve any problem. Join host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Sheila Korth for an exclusive look behind the curtain at the special interests driving the formation of the 118th Congress' Farm Bill.

]]> Ten billion taxpayer dollars per year in subsidies won’t fix farmers’ problems.  Why? Because dollars alone won’t solve any problem. Join host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Sheila Korth for an exclusive look behind the curtain at the special interests driving the formation of the 118th Congress' Farm Bill.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13377104 Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400 1977 1 50 full false Adding to the Climate Tab Adding to the Climate Tab We’re back with the latest evidence of the increasing costs to taxpayers from climate change.  Join Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell as they shine a spotlight on the fat stacks taxpayers are laying down on Climate in 2023.

]]> We’re back with the latest evidence of the increasing costs to taxpayers from climate change.  Join Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell as they shine a spotlight on the fat stacks taxpayers are laying down on Climate in 2023.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13304188 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0400 1392 1 49 full false Biofuels Subsidies: Climate Nightmares Masquerading as Climate Solutions with author & journalist Michael Grunwald Biofuels Subsidies: Climate Nightmares Masquerading as Climate Solutions with author & journalist Michael Grunwald Today on the podcast, everything you need to know about biofuels and how the Renewable Fuel Standard has failed consumers, taxpayers, and the climate. Host Steve Ellis is joined by journalist and author Michael Grunwald and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Korth.

]]> Today on the podcast, everything you need to know about biofuels and how the Renewable Fuel Standard has failed consumers, taxpayers, and the climate. Host Steve Ellis is joined by journalist and author Michael Grunwald and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Korth.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13118518 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400 1793 1 48 full false Paying the Price Paying the Price Wildfire smoke pouring in from Canada is a frightening real-time example of the impacts of climate change.  It is also an apt metaphor for how the mounting costs of climate change are being quietly paid by American Taxpayers.  Host Steve Ellis and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna are joined by Bob Keefe and Sandra Purohit with the national, nonpartisan group E2 to breakdown the findings in the new TCS Climate Report: “Paying the Price: Taxpayers Footing the Bill for Increasing Costs of Climate Change.” 

]]> Wildfire smoke pouring in from Canada is a frightening real-time example of the impacts of climate change.  It is also an apt metaphor for how the mounting costs of climate change are being quietly paid by American Taxpayers.  Host Steve Ellis and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna are joined by Bob Keefe and Sandra Purohit with the national, nonpartisan group E2 to breakdown the findings in the new TCS Climate Report: “Paying the Price: Taxpayers Footing the Bill for Increasing Costs of Climate Change.” 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-13010946 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0400 1753 1 47 full false Debt Limit Debt Limit The threat of defaulting on the national debt is soon to become real. The American government is on borrowed time and the music is about to stop.  TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell join host Steve Ellis to help make sense of what’s at stake.

]]> The threat of defaulting on the national debt is soon to become real. The American government is on borrowed time and the music is about to stop.  TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell join host Steve Ellis to help make sense of what’s at stake.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12906165 Tue, 23 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400 1139 1 46 full false Wendy Jordan: Budget Hero Wendy Jordan: Budget Hero Wendy Jordan has analyzed every Pentagon budget request for the last 35 years. She has a multi-faceted understanding of defense programs. And an encyclopedic knowledge of Congressional action. And a voice that listeners of this podcast will soon be missing. Hit play and hear the Wendy Jordan exit interview (uncensored).

]]> Wendy Jordan has analyzed every Pentagon budget request for the last 35 years. She has a multi-faceted understanding of defense programs. And an encyclopedic knowledge of Congressional action. And a voice that listeners of this podcast will soon be missing. Hit play and hear the Wendy Jordan exit interview (uncensored).

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12810308 Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400 1757 1 45 full false Suspend, Raise or Default Suspend, Raise or Default The end of Federal Debt Limit brinksmanship is upon us. Extraordinary measures have been in effect for some time. America is now driving with the “empty light” on and about to blow past the last gas station exit. The near-term costs of a default on our national debt are calculable.  The long-term costs of a breach in the “full faith and credit of the United States,” are not. TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Josh Sewell joins the podcast to discuss the facts, process, history, and options facing American Taxpayers.

]]> The end of Federal Debt Limit brinksmanship is upon us. Extraordinary measures have been in effect for some time. America is now driving with the “empty light” on and about to blow past the last gas station exit. The near-term costs of a default on our national debt are calculable.  The long-term costs of a breach in the “full faith and credit of the United States,” are not. TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Josh Sewell joins the podcast to discuss the facts, process, history, and options facing American Taxpayers.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12722464 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400 1095 1 44 full false Clearing the Smoke Clearing the Smoke Taxpayers for Common Sense is out with a new report, "Clearing the Smoke: A Closer Look at Federal Spending and Programs on Wildfire." Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, TCS Researcher Tyler Work, and Policy Analyst Mia Huang to navigate the thicket of federal programs and spending. 

]]> Taxpayers for Common Sense is out with a new report, "Clearing the Smoke: A Closer Look at Federal Spending and Programs on Wildfire." Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, TCS Researcher Tyler Work, and Policy Analyst Mia Huang to navigate the thicket of federal programs and spending. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12632749 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0400 1547 1 43 full false Moral Hazard and F-35 Alternate Engine Moral Hazard and F-35 Alternate Engine The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank harkened back to the dark days of 2008. Meanwhile, despite losing to Pratt & Whitney more than a decade ago in the battle to supply the engine for the F-35 jet fighter, Washington is suddenly abuzz about a General Electric effort to revive their alternate engine.  TCS Senior Policy Analysts Wendy Jordan and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis for a discussion about Moral Hazard and the old budget watchdog adage, "No matter how wasteful, no bad idea is ever truly dead in Washington, especially when there are billions of dollars on the line. You have to kill, kill, kill until it’s dead, dead, dead.”

]]> The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank harkened back to the dark days of 2008. Meanwhile, despite losing to Pratt & Whitney more than a decade ago in the battle to supply the engine for the F-35 jet fighter, Washington is suddenly abuzz about a General Electric effort to revive their alternate engine.  TCS Senior Policy Analysts Wendy Jordan and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis for a discussion about Moral Hazard and the old budget watchdog adage, "No matter how wasteful, no bad idea is ever truly dead in Washington, especially when there are billions of dollars on the line. You have to kill, kill, kill until it’s dead, dead, dead.”

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12490098 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0400 1299 1 42 full false Budget, Oversight and Transparency Budget, Oversight and Transparency Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to pull back the curtain on how Taxpayers for Common Sense advises foreign governments on the importance of transparency in the stewardship of public resources.  Plus, everything you need to look for when President Biden’s Fiscal 2024 Budget Request is released. 


]]> Josh Sewell joins Steve Ellis to pull back the curtain on how Taxpayers for Common Sense advises foreign governments on the importance of transparency in the stewardship of public resources.  Plus, everything you need to look for when President Biden’s Fiscal 2024 Budget Request is released. 


]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12395084 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0500 1384 1 41 full false CBO Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033 CBO Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033 As Treasury Secretary Yellen uses extraordinary measures to keep the nation below the debt ceiling, America's total debt right now is north of $32 trillion. And the psychological "Trillion-Dollar Barrier" has been broken. The just released CBO Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033  anticipates a federal budget deficit of $20 trillion over the next decade.  TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis for an exercise in understanding the report and what it really means for taxpayers. 

]]> As Treasury Secretary Yellen uses extraordinary measures to keep the nation below the debt ceiling, America's total debt right now is north of $32 trillion. And the psychological "Trillion-Dollar Barrier" has been broken. The just released CBO Budget and Economic Outlook: 2023 to 2033  anticipates a federal budget deficit of $20 trillion over the next decade.  TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins host Steve Ellis for an exercise in understanding the report and what it really means for taxpayers. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12307673 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500 1040 1 40 full false Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule Does it make sense for Uncle Sam to put a thumb on the scale to reduce climate risk and the cost to taxpayers? Is that what the Biden Administration’s proposed Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule would do?  On this episode of the Budget Watchdog AF podcast, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets Managing Director, Steven Rothstein, tells host Steve Ellis, the answer is, "Yes! And it will be a game-changer!"  


]]> Does it make sense for Uncle Sam to put a thumb on the scale to reduce climate risk and the cost to taxpayers? Is that what the Biden Administration’s proposed Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule would do?  On this episode of the Budget Watchdog AF podcast, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets Managing Director, Steven Rothstein, tells host Steve Ellis, the answer is, "Yes! And it will be a game-changer!"  


]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12205612 Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0500 1121 1 39 full false Farm Bill Field Trip Farm Bill Field Trip Budget Watchdog AF takes a field trip to the corn and soybean fields of northeastern Nebraska in search of common sense on the Farm Bill.  Taxpayers for Common Sense Senior Policy Analysts Sheila Korth and Josh Sewell introduce us to the current generations of the Kinkaid family farming this land since the 1940s.  Hit play and hear what these farmers think about farm subsidies.  It will suprise you. 

]]> Budget Watchdog AF takes a field trip to the corn and soybean fields of northeastern Nebraska in search of common sense on the Farm Bill.  Taxpayers for Common Sense Senior Policy Analysts Sheila Korth and Josh Sewell introduce us to the current generations of the Kinkaid family farming this land since the 1940s.  Hit play and hear what these farmers think about farm subsidies.  It will suprise you. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12124030 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500 1605 1 38 full false Taxpayers Guide to the 118th Congress Taxpayers Guide to the 118th Congress What’s to be expected as lawmakers in the 118th Congress work to enact the dozen spending bills that fund government before the October 1st start of fiscal year 2024? What about the expiring Farm Bill? Possible cuts to defense spending? Hit play for the Taxpayers Guide to the 118th Congress with host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analysts Wendy Jordan and Josh Sewell.

]]> What’s to be expected as lawmakers in the 118th Congress work to enact the dozen spending bills that fund government before the October 1st start of fiscal year 2024? What about the expiring Farm Bill? Possible cuts to defense spending? Hit play for the Taxpayers Guide to the 118th Congress with host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analysts Wendy Jordan and Josh Sewell.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-12024607 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500 1288 1 37 full false Year-in-Review Year-in-Review Host Steve Ellis is joined by the entire TCS budget watchdog pack for this 2022 year-in-review episode.  

]]> Host Steve Ellis is joined by the entire TCS budget watchdog pack for this 2022 year-in-review episode.  

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11901439 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500 1572 1 36 full false Best Bad Option Best Bad Option Congress has until December 16th to enact a final FY-23 spending bill, pass another CR, or risk a partial government shutdown. Find out what’s at stake and the budget implications for taxpayers involved in the choice between omnibus and long-term CR.
TCS Senior Policy Analysts Joshua Sewell and Wendy Jordan join host Steve Ellis for a conversation about the serious consequences that missing deadlines can have on policy priorities.
 



]]> Congress has until December 16th to enact a final FY-23 spending bill, pass another CR, or risk a partial government shutdown. Find out what’s at stake and the budget implications for taxpayers involved in the choice between omnibus and long-term CR.
TCS Senior Policy Analysts Joshua Sewell and Wendy Jordan join host Steve Ellis for a conversation about the serious consequences that missing deadlines can have on policy priorities.
 



]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11827055 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 18:00:00 -0500 1350 1 35 full false Budgetary Wildcard Budgetary Wildcard While most of the country focused on the elections, one of the most important and widely underappreciated documents to emerge from any White House was released, the 2022 National Security Strategy.  Join Steve Ellis and TCS National Security Expert Wendy Jordan for a budget watchdog’s take on President Biden's national security vision.

]]> While most of the country focused on the elections, one of the most important and widely underappreciated documents to emerge from any White House was released, the 2022 National Security Strategy.  Join Steve Ellis and TCS National Security Expert Wendy Jordan for a budget watchdog’s take on President Biden's national security vision.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11747634 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:00:00 -0500 1288 1 34 full false Lame Duck a l'Orange Lame Duck a l'Orange There is nothing in politics as clarifying as an election.  And as the biggest, baddest, budget watchdog podcast on the block, it’s our job to help you see the clearest picture possible of what’s about to go down on Capitol Hill.  What’s still on the legislative table? What deals might be made?  What hijinx can we expect?  And of course, what might it mean for taxpayers? Joining Steve Ellis to answer every question and shine the light in all the right corners are TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell.

]]> There is nothing in politics as clarifying as an election.  And as the biggest, baddest, budget watchdog podcast on the block, it’s our job to help you see the clearest picture possible of what’s about to go down on Capitol Hill.  What’s still on the legislative table? What deals might be made?  What hijinx can we expect?  And of course, what might it mean for taxpayers? Joining Steve Ellis to answer every question and shine the light in all the right corners are TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11625982 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1250 1 33 full false Halloween Special Halloween Special The most spooky and creative of holidays reveals a core truth about this podcast, and Taxpayers for Common Sense itself:  budget watchdog’in is a team sport. It takes energy and precision and real doggedness to run with our pack… and so today the whole gang is here. Happy Halloween Listening... if you dare.

]]> The most spooky and creative of holidays reveals a core truth about this podcast, and Taxpayers for Common Sense itself:  budget watchdog’in is a team sport. It takes energy and precision and real doggedness to run with our pack… and so today the whole gang is here. Happy Halloween Listening... if you dare.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11580419 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400 1326 1 32 full false CBO Report on FY22 Federal Budget Deficit CBO Report on FY22 Federal Budget Deficit The budget deficit for 2022 was $1.4 trillion. That’s half of the $2.8 trillion it was in 2021. In this episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell break down the Congressional Budget Office Report on the FY22 Federal Budget Deficit - what it means, what isn’t in it, and what is looming. 

]]> The budget deficit for 2022 was $1.4 trillion. That’s half of the $2.8 trillion it was in 2021. In this episode, TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell break down the Congressional Budget Office Report on the FY22 Federal Budget Deficit - what it means, what isn’t in it, and what is looming. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11494494 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400 1041 1 31 full false Why CRs Are Bad for Taxpayers Why CRs Are Bad for Taxpayers The inability of Congress to fund the government on time without drama is not one-sided. And here we are again!  TCS Vice President, Autumn Hanna, and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell, join show host Steve Ellis to explain the bipartisan affliction known as the Continuing Resolution and why curing it requires a bipartisan solution.

]]> The inability of Congress to fund the government on time without drama is not one-sided. And here we are again!  TCS Vice President, Autumn Hanna, and TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell, join show host Steve Ellis to explain the bipartisan affliction known as the Continuing Resolution and why curing it requires a bipartisan solution.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11395780 Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0400 954 1 30 full false Venting & Flaring Venting & Flaring The curious and potentially catastrophic case of your tax dollars being lit on fire. Oil and gas companies waste billions of cubic feet of natural gas extracted from federal lands, royalty-free, every year by just venting it or burning it off. Hit play for the facts about how methane waste on federal lands is causing economic damage to all taxpayers – and the climate.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Vice President, Autumn Hanna; Mia Huang, TCS Research and Data Analyst; and Tyler Work, TCS Development and Research Associate.

]]> The curious and potentially catastrophic case of your tax dollars being lit on fire. Oil and gas companies waste billions of cubic feet of natural gas extracted from federal lands, royalty-free, every year by just venting it or burning it off. Hit play for the facts about how methane waste on federal lands is causing economic damage to all taxpayers – and the climate.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Vice President, Autumn Hanna; Mia Huang, TCS Research and Data Analyst; and Tyler Work, TCS Development and Research Associate.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11318840 Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400 1207 1 29 full false Why Disaster Dollars Are Different Why Disaster Dollars Are Different It’s August 29th, 2022, the 17th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana.  17 years since the country watched as much of a major U.S. city plunged underwater and more than 1800 lives were lost.  On this heavy-hearted anniversary, Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell to define the role the federal government plays in ensuring communities have their own plans in place that are tailored to the risks and opportunities every disaster presents.

]]> It’s August 29th, 2022, the 17th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana.  17 years since the country watched as much of a major U.S. city plunged underwater and more than 1800 lives were lost.  On this heavy-hearted anniversary, Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell to define the role the federal government plays in ensuring communities have their own plans in place that are tailored to the risks and opportunities every disaster presents.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11223052 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0400 1386 1 28 full false Oil & Gas Leasing and the IRA Oil & Gas Leasing and the IRA It took 100 years, but Congress is poised to pass the first update to the onshore oil and gas royalty rate since 1920.  It's all part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.  TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, and Research Analyst Mia Huang, join TCS President Steve Ellis for deep dive on the IRA provisions that directly impact reform in the federal oil and gas leasing program.  Hit play to learn about oil and gas leasing reforms, and increase to the onshore royalty, rental rates, and the new minimum bid in lease auctions.

]]> It took 100 years, but Congress is poised to pass the first update to the onshore oil and gas royalty rate since 1920.  It's all part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.  TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna, and Research Analyst Mia Huang, join TCS President Steve Ellis for deep dive on the IRA provisions that directly impact reform in the federal oil and gas leasing program.  Hit play to learn about oil and gas leasing reforms, and increase to the onshore royalty, rental rates, and the new minimum bid in lease auctions.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11117786 Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400 1248 1 27 full false Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Who doesn’t love a summer surprise? Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, comes courtesy of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).  So, what’s in it and will it live up to its name? TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Joshua Sewell have the details in this episode of the Budget Watchdog AF podcast. 

]]> Who doesn’t love a summer surprise? Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, comes courtesy of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).  So, what’s in it and will it live up to its name? TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Joshua Sewell have the details in this episode of the Budget Watchdog AF podcast. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-11089250 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1363 1 26 full false National Defense Authorization Act National Defense Authorization Act In Washington D.C. this mid-July, 2022, the days are long.  The temperatures are high.  And the legislative headwinds on Capitol Hill are reaching gale force.  In this kind of charged and volatile political environment, it is critical that budget watchdogs keep their eye on the ball.  What ball?  The money! And – nowhere – do we --the American Taxpayers -- spend more money than at the Pentagon.  So, hit play and join host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Wendy Jordan, for an illuminating ride into the darkness of the congressional appropriations process. 

]]> In Washington D.C. this mid-July, 2022, the days are long.  The temperatures are high.  And the legislative headwinds on Capitol Hill are reaching gale force.  In this kind of charged and volatile political environment, it is critical that budget watchdogs keep their eye on the ball.  What ball?  The money! And – nowhere – do we --the American Taxpayers -- spend more money than at the Pentagon.  So, hit play and join host Steve Ellis and TCS Senior Policy Analyst, Wendy Jordan, for an illuminating ride into the darkness of the congressional appropriations process. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10957898 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1777 1 25 full false Fireworks, Beaches and Bridges Fireworks, Beaches and Bridges Happy 4th of July, BWAF faithful! Do you know the old saying, “More bang for your buck”? 
Well, this year, when it comes to fireworks on America’s birthday – the mantra is now, "More Bang? More Bucks!" Host Steve Ellis is joined by Josh Sewell – TCS Senior Policy Analyst… to explode the myths about why costs are soaring skyward.

]]> Happy 4th of July, BWAF faithful! Do you know the old saying, “More bang for your buck”? 
Well, this year, when it comes to fireworks on America’s birthday – the mantra is now, "More Bang? More Bucks!" Host Steve Ellis is joined by Josh Sewell – TCS Senior Policy Analyst… to explode the myths about why costs are soaring skyward.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10878731 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1477 1 24 full false Combating Inflation Combating Inflation The Biden Administration has said it is throwing everything at tackling inflation. And it is quite clear that it is not going to be solved by quick fixes. TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan spell out how Congress and the administration can remove federal policies distorting the playing field for the benefit of special interests and driving up costs for taxpayers.

]]> The Biden Administration has said it is throwing everything at tackling inflation. And it is quite clear that it is not going to be solved by quick fixes. TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan spell out how Congress and the administration can remove federal policies distorting the playing field for the benefit of special interests and driving up costs for taxpayers.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10794931 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:00:00 -0400 1954 1 23 full false The Farm Bill with Special Guest Dr. Joe Glauber The Farm Bill with Special Guest Dr. Joe Glauber Are America’s green fields lined with taxpayer dollars? In this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, host Steve Ellis and TCS Ag experts, Joshua Sewell and Sheila Karpf plow fertile ground with a very special guest.  Dr. Joe Glauber served as Chief Economist at the US Department of Agriculture from 2008-2014, and in total, spent more than 30 years at USDA. Hit play and hear how much more is in the Farm Bill than you probably realized.

]]> Are America’s green fields lined with taxpayer dollars? In this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, host Steve Ellis and TCS Ag experts, Joshua Sewell and Sheila Karpf plow fertile ground with a very special guest.  Dr. Joe Glauber served as Chief Economist at the US Department of Agriculture from 2008-2014, and in total, spent more than 30 years at USDA. Hit play and hear how much more is in the Farm Bill than you probably realized.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10715838 Tue, 31 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400 2447 1 22 full false America's Gold Giveaway America's Gold Giveaway In this episode, we explore the inexplicable gold giveaway that the 18th President of the United States signed into law to incentives the development of the west. Ulysses S. Grant signed the General Mining Law of 1872 into law. He thereby set the royalty rate on the sale of publicly owned minerals like gold, silver, copper, and uranium at ZERO. That’s right, ZERO.  This outdated and still operable law continues to allow precious metals to be mined and profited from without compensation to the resource owners, federal taxpayers. So how much lost taxpayer revenue are we talking about? Over the last decade … approximately two billion dollars. Joining Steve Ellis to dig deeper is TCS Research & Data Analyst, Mia Huang and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna.

]]> In this episode, we explore the inexplicable gold giveaway that the 18th President of the United States signed into law to incentives the development of the west. Ulysses S. Grant signed the General Mining Law of 1872 into law. He thereby set the royalty rate on the sale of publicly owned minerals like gold, silver, copper, and uranium at ZERO. That’s right, ZERO.  This outdated and still operable law continues to allow precious metals to be mined and profited from without compensation to the resource owners, federal taxpayers. So how much lost taxpayer revenue are we talking about? Over the last decade … approximately two billion dollars. Joining Steve Ellis to dig deeper is TCS Research & Data Analyst, Mia Huang and TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10642621 Wed, 18 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400 1436 1 21 full false Gas Prices & Common Sense Climate Solutions Gas Prices & Common Sense Climate Solutions Taxpayers for Common Sense believe our tax dollars should be wisely spent no matter what – whether that’s long-term solutions to climate change or addressing pressing issues related to the war in Ukraine.  Will the policy responses announced by Congress and the Administration do anything to address rising costs? And what impact will these changes have on long-term climate costs?  TCS Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Karpf joins host Steve Ellis to drill down on gas prices and common sense climate solutions.

]]> Taxpayers for Common Sense believe our tax dollars should be wisely spent no matter what – whether that’s long-term solutions to climate change or addressing pressing issues related to the war in Ukraine.  Will the policy responses announced by Congress and the Administration do anything to address rising costs? And what impact will these changes have on long-term climate costs?  TCS Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Karpf joins host Steve Ellis to drill down on gas prices and common sense climate solutions.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10559494 Wed, 04 May 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1288 1 20 full false President Biden's Budget President Biden's Budget With $1.6 trillion in discretionary budget authority … the Rube Goldbergian Biden FY 23 federal budget is decidedly not deficit reduction.  Hit play if you need a contextualized, nuanced, and laser-sharp read on the numbers and what they really mean.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan.

]]> With $1.6 trillion in discretionary budget authority … the Rube Goldbergian Biden FY 23 federal budget is decidedly not deficit reduction.  Hit play if you need a contextualized, nuanced, and laser-sharp read on the numbers and what they really mean.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10392318 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1619 1 19 full false Omnibus and Earmarks, Oh My! Omnibus and Earmarks, Oh My! In a world where regular order doesn’t exist.  And the biggest, baddest, spending bill on the block is an Apex Predator known as “Omnibus”.  The earmarks are out there my friends… and they are slippery suckers.  By some accounts… the appropriations earmarks in the $1.5 trillion fiscal 2022 omnibus bill that President Joe Biden signed last Tuesday might be perceived as both an exercise in restraint and obfuscation.  Joining Steve Ellis to make the podcasting magic happen is a bona fide forensic earmarkist – TCS Senior Policy Analyst – Josh Sewell.

]]> In a world where regular order doesn’t exist.  And the biggest, baddest, spending bill on the block is an Apex Predator known as “Omnibus”.  The earmarks are out there my friends… and they are slippery suckers.  By some accounts… the appropriations earmarks in the $1.5 trillion fiscal 2022 omnibus bill that President Joe Biden signed last Tuesday might be perceived as both an exercise in restraint and obfuscation.  Joining Steve Ellis to make the podcasting magic happen is a bona fide forensic earmarkist – TCS Senior Policy Analyst – Josh Sewell.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10277330 Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0400 1844 1 18 full false SOTU (aka Super Bowl of Politics) SOTU (aka Super Bowl of Politics) There is nothing so clarifying for policy and legislative vision, as the State of The Union.  On this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, Steve Ellis is joined by future Hall of Fame members of the Taxpayers for Common Sense team to clarify the fiscal message they would like to hear from President Biden. 


]]> There is nothing so clarifying for policy and legislative vision, as the State of The Union.  On this episode of Budget Watchdog AF, Steve Ellis is joined by future Hall of Fame members of the Taxpayers for Common Sense team to clarify the fiscal message they would like to hear from President Biden. 


]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10168733 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500 1381 1 17 full false Sweet Talk Sweet Talk On this Valentine's Day 2022 Steve Ellis and the TCS team rekindle the romance for making government work.  Enjoy the sweet talk and hear the list of policies that the budget nerds love.

]]> On this Valentine's Day 2022 Steve Ellis and the TCS team rekindle the romance for making government work.  Enjoy the sweet talk and hear the list of policies that the budget nerds love.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10058493 Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:00:00 -0500 1064 1 16 full false Doubling Down on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and Truth About the DOD Budget Doubling Down on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and Truth About the DOD Budget After 60 years, the nuclear power industry remains heavily dependent on taxpayer subsidies, faces costly and unresolved waste disposal challenges, and leaves a long trail of ongoing environmental liabilities, from uranium mining contaminants to water pollution.

Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst Michael Maragos for a briefing on the money pit situation with small modular nuclear reactors.

Plus, TCS Senior Policy Analyst Wendy Jordan on why the Pentagon shouldn't be shielded from fiscal and political realities – like agency funding.  

]]> After 60 years, the nuclear power industry remains heavily dependent on taxpayer subsidies, faces costly and unresolved waste disposal challenges, and leaves a long trail of ongoing environmental liabilities, from uranium mining contaminants to water pollution.

Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analyst Michael Maragos for a briefing on the money pit situation with small modular nuclear reactors.

Plus, TCS Senior Policy Analyst Wendy Jordan on why the Pentagon shouldn't be shielded from fiscal and political realities – like agency funding.  

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-10005696 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -0500 1797 1 15 full false State of Play 2022 State of Play 2022 It’s 2022 and the 117th Congress rolls on.  But what’s really in the realm of the possible right now?  In this episode Budget Watchdog AF gives you the lay of the land in Washington D.C.  An honest assessment of where things stand on the Biden Administration’s signature social welfare legislation, Build Back Better, and the latest on the federal budget and the appropriations bills that go along with it.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by Autumn Hanna and Josh Sewell.

]]> It’s 2022 and the 117th Congress rolls on.  But what’s really in the realm of the possible right now?  In this episode Budget Watchdog AF gives you the lay of the land in Washington D.C.  An honest assessment of where things stand on the Biden Administration’s signature social welfare legislation, Build Back Better, and the latest on the federal budget and the appropriations bills that go along with it.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by Autumn Hanna and Josh Sewell.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-9914894 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500 1438 full false Oil & Gas Lobbying Report Oil & Gas Lobbying Report It’s a story one hundred years in the making.  It’s about greed, naked political power, and the exploitation of American Taxpayers. TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna joins Budget Watchdog AF host Steve Ellis along with Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Karpf and Research and Data Analyst Mia Huang to explain how the oil and gas industry has secured $93 Billion in unwarranted federal subsidies, tax breaks, and sweetheart leasing deals over the last decade. They say the House never loses. Well, in this case, the Feds are the House and they're losing taxpayer money at a furious rate on this one.

]]> It’s a story one hundred years in the making.  It’s about greed, naked political power, and the exploitation of American Taxpayers. TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna joins Budget Watchdog AF host Steve Ellis along with Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Karpf and Research and Data Analyst Mia Huang to explain how the oil and gas industry has secured $93 Billion in unwarranted federal subsidies, tax breaks, and sweetheart leasing deals over the last decade. They say the House never loses. Well, in this case, the Feds are the House and they're losing taxpayer money at a furious rate on this one.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-9266114 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400 1368 1 13 full false ABCs of the BCA ABCs of the BCA A history lesson with special implications for our current debt limit fight about to kick-off in Congress. In times like these, wild things can be agreed to. And in the case of the Budget Control Act of 2011, Congress agreed to all of them… and adhered to none of them.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan for an episode that respects the admonition that, “those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.” 

]]> A history lesson with special implications for our current debt limit fight about to kick-off in Congress. In times like these, wild things can be agreed to. And in the case of the Budget Control Act of 2011, Congress agreed to all of them… and adhered to none of them.  Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan for an episode that respects the admonition that, “those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.” 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-9173838 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0400 970 1 12 full false Fiscal Illusions, Fuzzy Math and All Aboard! Fiscal Illusions, Fuzzy Math and All Aboard! TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by Budget Watchdog AF’s very own Josh Sewell to reveal the secrets of the awe-inspiring, disappearing debt limit trick.  Magic or optical illusion? And the real truth about infrastructure and reconciliation.  

]]> TCS President Steve Ellis is joined by Budget Watchdog AF’s very own Josh Sewell to reveal the secrets of the awe-inspiring, disappearing debt limit trick.  Magic or optical illusion? And the real truth about infrastructure and reconciliation.  

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-9033016 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400 1226 1 11 full false Extra Money and More Credit Extra Money and More Credit TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell investigate a mystery that should strike fear into the hearts of all taxpayers, “Extra Money.”  Plus, BWAF listeners will get an introduction to the not-so-distant relative of “Extra Money," “More Credit.” Hit play and learn how  American Taxpayers are confronted with the dual reality of needing urgently to increase the nation’s Debt Limit, even while we figure out how to use all that “extra money” laying around.

]]> TCS President Steve Ellis and Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell investigate a mystery that should strike fear into the hearts of all taxpayers, “Extra Money.”  Plus, BWAF listeners will get an introduction to the not-so-distant relative of “Extra Money," “More Credit.” Hit play and learn how  American Taxpayers are confronted with the dual reality of needing urgently to increase the nation’s Debt Limit, even while we figure out how to use all that “extra money” laying around.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8842614 Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0400 963 1 10 full false Taxpayers' Fair Return Taxpayers' Fair Return This week we learn that a federal judge ruled against the Biden Administration, saying that it is up to Congress to pause new oil and gas lease sales on federal land.  Plus, more than half a billion dollars in revenue is on the line for taxpayers when it comes to a major change in oil and gas royalty rates.  TCS President Steve Ellis explores all the issues and their impacts on revenue to taxpayers with TCS Vice President and Autumn Hanna. 

]]> This week we learn that a federal judge ruled against the Biden Administration, saying that it is up to Congress to pause new oil and gas lease sales on federal land.  Plus, more than half a billion dollars in revenue is on the line for taxpayers when it comes to a major change in oil and gas royalty rates.  TCS President Steve Ellis explores all the issues and their impacts on revenue to taxpayers with TCS Vice President and Autumn Hanna. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8725637 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0400 827 1 9 full false Earmark Renaissance | Preview of Biden's FY '22 Budget Earmark Renaissance | Preview of Biden's FY '22 Budget Are earmarks having a renaissance? Is the new system actually built for transparency and accountability?  And will President Biden's real FY '22 budget please step forward?  Budget Watchdog AF Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan for an episode that can not be missed. Welcome to all American Taxpayers seeking common sense.  You've made it to the right place! 

]]> Are earmarks having a renaissance? Is the new system actually built for transparency and accountability?  And will President Biden's real FY '22 budget please step forward?  Budget Watchdog AF Host Steve Ellis is joined by TCS Senior Policy Analysts Josh Sewell and Wendy Jordan for an episode that can not be missed. Welcome to all American Taxpayers seeking common sense.  You've made it to the right place! 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8600439 Thu, 27 May 2021 14:00:00 -0400 1610 1 8 full false Wading Through Federal Disaster Policy and Programs Wading Through Federal Disaster Policy and Programs When it comes to climate change you don’t need to be steeped in the science. What you really need to understand are the staggering financial costs. Costs that one way or another find their way back to all of us – the taxpayers.  Join Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell for a readout on an important congressional hearing this week looking into housing resilience in the face of climate change. The National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program are critical, but costly tools to deal with the ever-deepening effects of climate change.

]]> When it comes to climate change you don’t need to be steeped in the science. What you really need to understand are the staggering financial costs. Costs that one way or another find their way back to all of us – the taxpayers.  Join Steve Ellis and Josh Sewell for a readout on an important congressional hearing this week looking into housing resilience in the face of climate change. The National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program are critical, but costly tools to deal with the ever-deepening effects of climate change.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8477667 Fri, 07 May 2021 11:00:00 -0400 1272 1 7 full false Climate Change Special Climate Change Special Every American Taxpayer needs to understand that trillions of your tax dollars will be spent in the coming decades on climate change costs –for damages, adaptation, and mitigation. On Earth Day 2021, Taxpayers for Common Sense breaks down the serious and avoidable financial threats posed by climate change.  TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and Senior Fellow Ryan Alexander join Steve Ellis for a compelling illustration of how climate is connected to every American’s pocketbook.

]]> Every American Taxpayer needs to understand that trillions of your tax dollars will be spent in the coming decades on climate change costs –for damages, adaptation, and mitigation. On Earth Day 2021, Taxpayers for Common Sense breaks down the serious and avoidable financial threats posed by climate change.  TCS Vice President Autumn Hanna and Senior Fellow Ryan Alexander join Steve Ellis for a compelling illustration of how climate is connected to every American’s pocketbook.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8386836 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:00:00 -0400 1907 1 6 full false Biden's Skinny Budget Request Biden's Skinny Budget Request After a decade of budget caps and mock budget discipline in President Trump’s budget requests, President Biden released his FY 2022 "skinny budget" request this week.  And it really lets the belt out a few – or a lot – of notches.  What’s the tale of the tape? Increases across the board! Every Cabinet Department sees a percentage increase in budget authority over fiscal year 2021.  TCS Senior Policy Analysts Sheila Karpf and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis to details what these increases amount to.

]]> After a decade of budget caps and mock budget discipline in President Trump’s budget requests, President Biden released his FY 2022 "skinny budget" request this week.  And it really lets the belt out a few – or a lot – of notches.  What’s the tale of the tape? Increases across the board! Every Cabinet Department sees a percentage increase in budget authority over fiscal year 2021.  TCS Senior Policy Analysts Sheila Karpf and Josh Sewell join Steve Ellis to details what these increases amount to.

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8346750 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0400 833 1 5 full false Infrastructure and the American Jobs Plan Infrastructure and the American Jobs Plan President Biden's American Jobs Plan contains roughly $2.2 trillion in spending proposals across a broad swath of traditional and newly defined “infrastructure.” The 25-page plan is big on ideas and short on details.  What to make of it? Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins TCS President Steve Ellis for the kind of discussion you will only hear on Budget Watchdog AF. 

]]> President Biden's American Jobs Plan contains roughly $2.2 trillion in spending proposals across a broad swath of traditional and newly defined “infrastructure.” The 25-page plan is big on ideas and short on details.  What to make of it? Senior Policy Analyst Josh Sewell joins TCS President Steve Ellis for the kind of discussion you will only hear on Budget Watchdog AF. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8262588 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0400 1162 1 4 full false Legacy Weapon Systems and Biden's Pentagon Budget Legacy Weapon Systems and Biden's Pentagon Budget Is the F-35 too pricey to fail? Is the F-35 a platinum-plated spork?  Taxpayers for Common Sense Senior Policy Analyst Wendy J Jordan joins Steve Ellis for a readout of the TCS cut list of legacy weapons systems that President Biden, Congress, and the Department of Defense need to come to grips with this budget cycle.  Weapons systems recommended for cutting:  The Rockwell B-1 Lancer, The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, The Boeing RC-135,  The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, The “A-10  Warthog,”  and the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor platforms. Plus, the Littoral Combat Ship program and the Minuteman Missile System.  




]]> Is the F-35 too pricey to fail? Is the F-35 a platinum-plated spork?  Taxpayers for Common Sense Senior Policy Analyst Wendy J Jordan joins Steve Ellis for a readout of the TCS cut list of legacy weapons systems that President Biden, Congress, and the Department of Defense need to come to grips with this budget cycle.  Weapons systems recommended for cutting:  The Rockwell B-1 Lancer, The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, The Boeing RC-135,  The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, The “A-10  Warthog,”  and the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor platforms. Plus, the Littoral Combat Ship program and the Minuteman Missile System.  




]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8167613 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0400 1435 1 3 full false American Rescue Plan & Budget Justification Transparency Act American Rescue Plan & Budget Justification Transparency Act Get the skinny on HR 22: The Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021 & a candid analysis of the COVID-19 relief package known as the American Rescue Plan as Josh Sewell, Senior Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense, joins Budget Watchdog AF host, Steve Ellis. 

]]> Get the skinny on HR 22: The Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021 & a candid analysis of the COVID-19 relief package known as the American Rescue Plan as Josh Sewell, Senior Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense, joins Budget Watchdog AF host, Steve Ellis. 

]]> Taxpayers For Common Sense Buzzsprout-8082507 Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500 1163 1 2 full false Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Learn the facts, implications, and opportunities behind the Biden Administration's pause on Federal Oil and Gas Leasing.  Autumn Hanna, Vice President and Energy & Natural Resources Lead at Taxpayers for Common Sense, joins Budget Watchdog AF host, Steve Ellis. 

]]> Learn the facts, implications, and opportunities behind the Biden Administration's pause on Federal Oil and Gas Leasing.  Autumn Hanna, Vice President and Energy & Natural Resources Lead at Taxpayers for Common Sense, joins Budget Watchdog AF host, Steve Ellis. 

]]> Taxpayers for Common Sense Buzzsprout-7953709 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0500 860 Steve Ellis, Autumn Hanna, Budget Watchdog AF, podcast, federal oil and gas leasing, congress, taxpayers 1 1 full false