01.15.16

CBO: Government Will Spend Over $310 Billion on Expired Programs

WASHINGTON D.C. – The federal government will spend more than $310 billion in fiscal year 2016 on programs and activities whose statutory authorization for funding has expired, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report released today. The $310 billion has been awarded to a wide array of expired programs and entities originally authorized under 256 separate laws. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-WY) said it was time for Congress to take a closer look at these funds.

“Alarmingly, this new report indicates that most non-defense discretionary spending is currently being awarded to expired programs,” said Chairman Enzi. "Congress should reexamine what we are actually funding in order to improve or eliminate government programs not delivering results.  By taking a closer look at these programs and activities, Congress would have more funding flexibility to boost important programs and priorities.”

CBO has published this report annually pursuant to a requirement enacted in 1985.

The full CBO report can be read here.

 

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