Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
FIRST ON FOX: A recent initiative is examining government agency spending in relation to workforce changes, revealing a concerning trend highlighted by a conservative fiscal watchdog group.
According to OpenTheBooks, the Department of Education has witnessed a dramatic spending increase of 749% since 2000, even as its staff numbers have decreased. This stark contrast raises questions, especially after the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported a failure to recover student achievement levels following significant drops during the pandemic.
OpenTheBooks’ analysis forms part of a broader initiative launched on Thursday aimed at illustrating the divergence between agency spending and agency growth. The organization asserts that federal spending growth is vastly outpacing the development of these agencies over time.
In their report, OpenTheBooks also referenced concerns regarding ongoing cost-saving measures proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Its leader, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, has been scrutinized for the necessity of spending cuts amid a largely static federal workforce.
In cases like the Department of Education, an increase in spending without a corresponding rise in staff numbers has raised alarms. For instance, while staffing at the National Institutes of Health rose by 21.5%, spending increased by an eye-popping 301%.
TRUMP ADDRESSES WASTEFUL SPENDING, CALLS FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY AMID DOGE REVELATIONS
Savannah Newhouse, a spokesperson for the Department of Education, criticized past administrations for what she termed as ‘frivolous spending of taxpayer dollars’ on initiatives that do not support student learning outcomes.
Newhouse pointed to programs such as diversity, equity, and inclusion training in teacher preparation and Equity Assistance Centers, arguing that such initiatives distract from improving educational outcomes. She cited recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress as evidence of a concerning lack of focus on student success.
“Under President Trump, we are diligently auditing our expenditures to ensure our spending maximizes student impact and represents responsible management of taxpayer dollars,” she stated.
OpenTheBooks’ analysis extends beyond the Department of Education. They discovered that at least 75 federal agencies listed in the Federal Register appear to be effectively defunct or obsolete. These agencies have either been absorbed by other entities, renamed, or ceased to exist. The absence of updated records complicates the public’s understanding of the federal government’s structure and functionality.
“In numerous federal agencies, expenditure growth has exceeded not just inflation but also increases in staff numbers—often by substantial margins,” stated John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks. “This leads to a crucial inquiry: Where is the money being allocated? Taxpayers deserve transparency regarding spending increases across agencies so they can assess the necessity of maintaining over 441 agencies, especially those that no longer serve a purpose.”
DOGE’S REVELATIONS HIGHLIGHT WASTEFUL SPENDING PRACTICES
OpenTheBooks has cataloged spending data for 50 federal agencies, creating a public database designed to offer transparency regarding government spending patterns. The organization intends to periodically release findings as they analyze additional agencies.
Other significant instances highlighted by the watchdog group include the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Agency for International Development. At FEMA, staffing levels have increased roughly 290% over the past 25 years, yet spending has skyrocketed at a rate of 2,096%, far outpacing staff growth. Meanwhile, USAID has seen staffing rise approximately 218% compared to spending growth of around 468%.
As this investigation unfolds, it underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in federal spending decisions. Citizens are increasingly demanding insight into how public funds are utilized, particularly in an environment where educational achievement appears stagnant.
The findings from OpenTheBooks not only prompt questions about the efficiency of federal spending but also challenge policymakers to reconsider the priorities that dictate budgetary decisions. As agencies continue to evolve, the imperative to allocate resources effectively and transparently will remain at the forefront of the national conversation.
