Topic: Stimulus Spending

The $2.3 trillion omnibus spending bill, which includes $900 billion for COVID relief, has come under fire for its massive allocations to foreign countries and special interests. While Americans are slated to receive $600 checks, the bill contains billions for the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, and various international programs, leading to public outrage over Congressional spending priorities.

Earl Devaney, chairman of the Recovery Board, is overseeing an $18 million "Web 2.0" upgrade to recovery.gov intended to provide interactive mapping of stimulus data. The project is criticized for its high cost and the use of the phrase "let me be clear," which is noted as a recurring rhetorical trope in the Obama administration. Devaney is also promoting a "Citizen IG" initiative to encourage Americans to investigate federal spending irregularities.