SWAG Act: A Bold Proposal to Slash $1.8 Billion in Wasteful Spending

Tunnel of one hundred dollar bills.

The SWAG Act proposes a $1.8 billion cut in government spending on promotional items, promising a change in federal fiscal policy.

Quick Takes

  • Joni Ernst spearheads the SWAG Act to eliminate unnecessary government spending on promotional items.
  • The initiative targets items like fidget spinners, koozies, and mascots, totaling $1.8 billion.
  • The proposal aligns with a broader initiative to curb government waste, supported by Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
  • Federal PR budgets saw a substantial increase, from $780 million to $1.8 billion annually in recent years.

The SWAG Act’s Objective

Joni Ernst, Chair of the Senate DOGE Caucus, has championed the Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act, setting her sights on eliminating extravagant public relations expenditures by federal agencies. The proposal aims to cut spending on items like fidget spinners, candy, and mascot costumes, challenging the trend of growing budgets for promotional merchandise. This echoes a common call for increased accountability and fiscal responsibility in Washington.

The SWAG Act also includes requirements for government staff to monitor the return on investment for advertising programs, ensuring taxpayer money benefits the public rather than funding what Ernst calls a “costly swag.” This requirement reflects a shift towards transparent and justifiable government spending.

Addressing Federal Spending Increase

Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst’s passion for this initiative stems from the significant increase in government spending on promotional items—a staggering $1.8 billion. Backed by figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the SWAG Act represents a broader effort to slash wasteful federal spending. The legislation plans to defund non-congressionally approved mascots, saving only those with traditional value like Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, as well as associated merchandise like blankets and buttons.

“You might mistake Washington for a very expensive kid’s birthday party, with federal employees playing dress up, appearing as mascots, and making coloring books,” – Ernst

Ernst’s efforts to reduce government waste have not stopped here. Her push for accountability extends to telework monitoring and invigorating the culture of fiscal prudence within federal agencies. Ultimately, the goal appears straightforward: recalibrate Washington’s spending habits to better serve the American taxpayer.

Implications for Government Operations

This proposed legislation not only targets a reduction in wasteful expenditure but also stresses the need for cultural change in government operations. Ernst criticizes spending practices that prioritize frivolous items over essential public services, aiming to redirect the focus to genuinely serving the nation.

“I am going to crash the party and bag this costly swag. Misbehaving bureaucrats need to stop wasting tax dollars trying to refurbish their bad reputation, and focus on serving the American people.” – Ernst

The SWAG Act could represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against government waste, holding agencies accountable and aligning with a broader push for efficiency spearheaded by influential figures and policy advocates. If successful, it’s conceivable that other areas of government spending might be brought under similar scrutiny.

Sources:

  1. DOGE goes after $1.8 billion ‘propaganda’ fund for mascots, comic books and candy
  2. Senate DOGE caucus takes aim at $1.8B government fund for candy, comic books: ‘Purely propaganda’
  3. DOGE Targets Insane Budget Earmarked for Candy, Blankets, Comic Books, and Stuffed Animals