The image of George Washington on a one-dollar bill, captured in Marple Township, PA, symbolizes a growing concern over federal spending. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office warns of increasing national debt over the next 30 years.
Congress grapples with a spending issue. This problem is widely recognized, though many elected officials seem reluctant to confront it directly. Spending taxpayer money has become a bipartisan challenge, affecting both Republicans and Democrats alike. Historically, Republicans voiced concern over excessive spending. However, this has shifted during Trump’s tenure, with potential for increased spending if Republicans maintain control of Congress following the midterms.
President Trump announced plans including a $5,000 disbursement to each adult American, $90 payments to 20.8 million Medicare participants, and $500 refund checks distributed to those purchasing unsubsidized Affordable Care Act plans through the federal marketplace. While some Republicans objected to the $5,000 proposal, their stance in the event of a congressional majority remains uncertain. Trump’s fiscal indulgence is evident, with congressional Republicans supporting him over recent years.
Despite Democratic criticism of Republican expenses, past fiscal behavior under President Biden was equally worrying. In Biden’s last two years, the federal deficit hit $1.70 trillion in 2023 and $1.83 trillion in 2024. Under Trump, the estimated deficit surpassed $1.78 trillion in 2025, projecting beyond $2 trillion for 2026. Additionally, Biden’s four-year term saw federal debt climb by $8 trillion, with Trump adding nearly $4 trillion in two years.
Reports indicate congressional desires for $46 billion allocated to about 15,000 earmarks in the new budget. Funding allocations include expenditures for prisoner cooking classes, gaming facilities, and horse-related projects.
“The requests include hundreds of thousands of dollars for cooking classes for prisoners, millions for a gaming facility, and nearly $13 million for horse-related projects, according to Open the Books.”
Should Democrats regain congressional control, Republicans might renew pledges for fiscal restraint. Yet, curbing spending only under opposition influence fails to address underlying issues. Effective intervention requires recognition and action.
A proposed 12-step framework, inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous, seeks to address congressional spending habits. Members must acknowledge their inability to manage spending alone, recognizing voter power as pivotal in restoring control. Commitment to constitutional spending limits, honest self-assessment, acknowledgment of errors, and genuine efforts to amend through budget cuts are essential steps. Continuously monitoring personal tendencies and confronting overspending contribute to reforming fiscal behavior.
As with many types of addiction, congressional spendaholics likely won’t reform on their own. Elections, like the upcoming midterms, can provide that much-needed intervention.
Taxpayers bear the financial burden of congressional spending and must advocate for change. Political pressure can influence Congress to abandon harmful spending habits. Though challenging for both the public and legislators, decisive reforms are necessary for addressing spending concerns.
Merrill Matthews, Texas state chair of Our Republican Legacy, emphasizes this pressing issue. ©2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved.