Payments to Deceased Individuals:
The federal government has been known to disburse payments, including Social Security and tax refunds, to individuals who are deceased. This highlights systemic inefficiencies in payment systems where the government fails to update beneficiary statuses promptly.
Unemployment and Social Security Payments to Prisoners:
There have been instances where individuals incarcerated continue to receive unemployment benefits or Social Security payments because of inadequate verification processes.
Medicaid and Medicare Fraud:
Both programs are susceptible to fraud, with billions lost annually due to billing for services not rendered, overbilling, or payments for ineligible recipients. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified improper payments in these programs.
Extravagant Spending on Projects or Items:
Examples include spending $28 million on licensing fees for a lush green camouflage pattern for Afghan National Army uniforms, despite Afghanistan being predominantly desert, making the camouflage less effective.
Another example is the expenditure of $1.5 million to study the endurance of bluegill fish on treadmills, showcasing how research grants can sometimes be allocated to projects with questionable practical benefit.
Inefficient Use of Federal Properties:
The government spends billions annually on maintaining unused or underutilized federal properties, which could be sold or repurposed to save costs.
Improper Payments Across Federal Programs:
The GAO has reported that the federal government made about $236 billion in improper payments in 2023, encompassing overpayments, payments to ineligible recipients, or payments for services not provided.
Wasteful IT Spending:
The federal government has been criticized for spending significantly more on IT per employee compared to private industry, leading to inefficiencies in IT management and cybersecurity.
Expenditures on Expired or Unnecessary Programs:
Hundreds of billions have been allocated to programs whose authorizations have long expired, with some dating back to the 1980s, yet continue to receive funding without contemporary legislative review.
Luxury Hotel Construction with Relief Funds:
In some cases, like in Broward County, Florida, COVID-19 relief funds were used for projects like building luxury hotels with amenities like pool decks and spas, which might not align with the urgent needs of public health or economic recovery.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Misallocations:
The SBA has been known to distribute funds through programs like the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant to entities or individuals not strictly fitting the "small business" definition, including high-profile entertainers.
DOGE - Department of Government Efficiency
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