Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has raised concerns about the Biden administration's allocation of over a trillion taxpayer dollars towards what he deems as 'government waste' in the current year. The Kentucky senator recently unveiled his annual 'Festivus' report, shedding light on various expenditures made by the administration throughout the year.
The 2024 Festivus Waste Report highlighted several instances of questionable spending, including a $10,000 grant to 'Beards on Ice,' an ice skating drag show focused on climate change organized by the Bearded Ladies Cabaret. Additionally, the Agency for International Development (USAID) reportedly spent $20 million on 'Ahlan Simsim,' a spin-off of Sesame Street in Iraq, aimed at promoting 'inclusion' and 'mutual respect.'
One of the more controversial expenditures outlined in the report was the $1.5 million spent on studying how different species, such as young female kittens, respond to motion sickness. The report detailed disturbing experiments involving strapping kittens to tables, spinning them in various directions, and drilling holes into their skulls to immobilize them.
Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided over $400,000 to New York University (NYU) to investigate whether lonely rats exhibit a higher propensity for seeking cocaine compared to rats in positive environments. The Department of the Interior (DOI) also allocated $12 million for a pickleball complex in Las Vegas.
The report also criticized the State Department's $3 million expenditure on 'Girl-Centered Climate Action' in Brazil, a program aimed at empowering young women to lead in climate activism. Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) granted automakers $15.5 billion to drive the electric vehicle (EV) sector forward.
Sen. Paul's report highlighted various instances of what he perceives as wasteful spending by the Biden administration, including funding for projects like the 'Magic in the United States' podcast and the maintenance of empty buildings. The senator also questioned the allocation of $2.1 million to support Paraguay's border security, emphasizing the need for a more prudent use of taxpayer funds.
