Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst reintroduces legislation to slash $1.8 billion in government spending on promotional items, sparking debate on fiscal responsibility.
We’re already on our way to the trillions in savings that Elon Musk promised!
At a Glance
- The SWAG Act aims to cut $1.8 billion in federal spending on promotional items
- Targeted items include mascots, fidget spinners, candy, and comic books
- Federal PR budgets increased from $780 million to $1.8 billion between 2018 and 2023
- The initiative is part of a broader plan to reduce wasteful government spending
- Iconic mascots like Smokey Bear will not be affected by the proposed legislation
SWAG Act Targets ‘Purely Propaganda’ Spending
Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has reintroduced the Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act after identifying huge sums of wasteful spending. The legislation aims to eliminate $1.8 billion in federal spending on promotional items such as stuffed animals, candy, and comic books, which Ernst describes as “purely propaganda.”
The SWAG Act specifically targets non-essential advertising items like fidget spinners, koozies, and agency mascots not authorized by Congress. This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to address government excess and promote more efficient fiscal management.
The push for this legislation comes in response to a significant increase in federal public relations budgets. Between 2018 and 2023, these budgets swelled from $780 million to $1.8 billion annually, raising concerns about the responsible use of taxpayer funds.
“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 said.
The SWAG Act would require government staff to track the return on investment for advertising programs, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively. It would also defund mascots not explicitly authorized by Congress, sparing only iconic figures like Smokey the Bear.
Scope of the Proposed Cuts
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has identified a wide range of items targeted for defunding. These include promotional blankets, buttons, clothing, coloring books, and even a CDC comic book aimed at educating children about viruses. Other mascots on the chopping block include the Department of Agriculture’s “Vin Vasive” and the Department of Homeland Security’s “Agent Teddy” and “Tracker.”
“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 added.
While the initiative has garnered support from those concerned about government overspending, it has also faced criticism from agencies that argue these materials serve important educational and outreach purposes.
Expect to hear much more of this over the next four years…