Senator Rand Paul’s annual ‘Festivus’ report outlines approximately $900 billion in government waste, spotlighting expenditures on diverse and unconventional programs.

By yourNEWS Media Staff

Republican Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky has released his annual “Festivus” report, identifying close to $900 billion in government waste. The report, inspired by an episode of the sitcom “Seinfeld,” includes a variety of expensive government programs.

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Rand Paul 2023 Festivus Report by yourNEWS Media

Highlighted in the report is an NIH-funded study on Russian cats using treadmills, part of a $2.4 million grant from the NIH to Georgia Institute of Technology, which included a subgrant for researchers in St. Petersburg, Russia. This study focused on cats’ forward and backward stepping.

Also noted is a $33.2 million NIH grant supporting a monkey colony of 3,000, used for research across the U.S. A Florida lab, utilizing funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), conducted a study on male monkeys given female hormones, analyzing their susceptibility to HIV post-treatment.

The report sheds light on DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which developed the “Resilience Series,” including a graphic novel titled “Real Fake.” This book depicts a foreign intelligence operation spreading disinformation about a senator.

Significant waste includes a $400 million political campaign war chest maintained by the IRS, unused by major political candidates. This account is funded through a tax return check-off option.

The report also highlights over $200 million in SBA grants to famous artists like Post Malone, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown during the pandemic. These funds, intended for entertainment businesses affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, were first reported by Insider.

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. government made $236 million in inaccurate payments, a decrease from $247 billion in 2022. Additionally, $38 million in COVID-19 related funds were erroneously paid to deceased individuals.

Senator Paul’s “Festivus” report is based on the “Seinfeld” holiday, celebrated on December 23, known for its unique traditions like airing grievances and performing feats of strength.