Today Senator Rand Paul once again issued his detailed annual report on wasteful science spending AKA The Festivus Report
>I have a lot of problems with federal spending, and now you’re gonna hear all about them!
https://www.paul.senate.gov/sites/default/files/page-attachments/Festivus%20Report%202021_0.pdf
>This year, I am highlighting a whopping $52,598,515,585 of waste, including a study of pigeons gambling on slot machines, giving kids junk food, and telling citizens of Vietnam not to burn their trash. No matter how much money’s already been wasted, scientists keep demanding even more. But don’t worry, I will continue to fight against government waste. So, before we get to the Feats of Strength, it’s time for my Airing of (spending) Grievances!
Grinding up ferrets to develop COVID and flu vaccines………………………….$4,500,000
COVID relief grant for NYC to display art projects across the city………………$25,000,000
Developing a film about dinosaurs to inspire middle schoolers (NSF)…………… $2,500,000
Pigeons playing slot machines (NIH)………………………………………………..$465,339
Telling people to not burn their trash (USAID)………………………………….$11,300,000
Funding Green Energy programs in Africa (State)………………………………$179,000,000
Tax Credit incentivizing CA residents to uninstall fireplaces..........................$2,100,000
Funding the Wilson Center to put on parties for Congressmen.....................$14,000,000
Study verified that hearing bad news decreases happiness levels (NIA)...............$1,300,000
Kids crave junk food and gain weight if they’re exposed to it (NIDDK)................$352,000
Getting high schoolers excited about being airplane pilots (FAA).....................$5,000,000