With the national debt at $21 trillion and the deficit rising, the feds don't have any excuses for reckless, wasteful spending.
But that's never stopped them before, and it isn't stopping them now.
The Air Force Times reported earlier this week that the Air Force has been spending $1,280 to replace broken coffee cups. The cups plug into outlets on cargo planes to reheat liquids such as water or coffee, and their plastic handles break easily.
But instead of logging onto Amazon and purchasing replacements cups like a rational human being, the feds solved the problem as only the feds can. While the cups used to cost a mere $693 in 2016 (?!), the price has almost doubled in the last two years. They've purchased 25 in 2018 alone.
Sen. Chuck Grassley responded as one might expect:
“Paying nearly $700 for a single cup is bad enough, but it’s simply beyond reason to continue to pay ever-increasing prices for something as simple as a coffee cup that is so fragile that it needs to be constantly replaced,” Grassley said. “This latest example of reckless spending of taxpayer dollars gives me no confidence that the Air Force is taking real steps to reduce wasteful spending practices.”
We couldn't agree more. But even if Congress was willing (which they aren't), they can't possibly police each and every instance of federal waste. The problem is too big for Congress to handle, as evidenced by the numerous additional examples of federal waste uncovered by Open The Books.
That's why it's time for the people and the states to step in.
An Article V Convention of States is called and controlled by the state legislatures. It has the power to propose constitutional amendments that force the feds to be fiscally responsible. These amendments can include a balanced budget amendment as well as spending limits and tax caps.
Sign the Convention of States Petition below to get involved in your state!
