Home | Citizens Against Government Waste

Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) was established in 1984 following the release of the Grace Commission report under President Ronald Reagan. The organization’s mission is to conduct research and public education on government waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. CAGW was the first organization to uncover and publicize a comprehensive list of earmarks through its annual Congressional Pig Book. To date, CAGW has helped to save taxpayers $2.4 trillion.

Critical Waste Issues for the 119th Congress

CAGW's Critical Waste proposals are essential to creating a more effective and efficient government and reining in excessive spending.

2024 Congressional Pig Book

The Congressional Pig Book is CAGW's annual compilation of the pork-barrel projects in the federal budget.

The Latest

The WasteWatcher

DOGE and DOD Agree with CAGW on Making Software Purchases More Efficient

DOD and DOGE are now looking at software licensing, which is one area that CAGW has noted needs closer scrutiny.

Deborah Collier March 11, 2025

The WasteWatcher

President Reagan at the Grace Commission's 10th Anniversary Celebration

As DOGE forges ahead, CAGW shares remarks by President Ronald Reagan 10 years after the Grace Commission issued its report.

Deborah Collier March 6, 2025

The WasteWatcher

President Trump Overturns Biden’s Undermining of Intellectual Property

President Trump’s decision to eliminate waivers of intellectual property rights is critical to the development of future cures.

Christina Smith March 6, 2025

The WasteWatcher

Results Should Be the Primary Goal in Education

Higher spending doesn't equate to better educational outcomes for U.S. students.

Christina Smith March 3, 2025

Press

Citizens Against Government Waste Names Rep. Melanie Stansbury February 2025 Porker of the Month

Rep. Stansbury is vehemently objecting to commonsense reforms and cost-saving proposals.

Alexandra Abrams February 27, 2025

The WasteWatcher

Fix USPS Without Forcing its Imminent Demise

USPS reforms must be made without leading to an imminent taxpayer bailout.

Thomas Schatz February 21, 2025

Action Center

National Petition to Stop IRS Spying

TELL CONGRESS: Do Not Raise the Debt Limit Without Cutting Wasteful Spending

TAKE ACTION: Oppose Earmarks

TELL WASHINGTON: Cut Government Waste!

Porker of the Month

Rep. Melanie Stansbury

February

Rep. Stansbury is CAGW's February 2025 Porker of the Month for lambasting cost-cutting proposals by DOGE.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra

January

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra is our January 2025 Porker of the Month for abusing his power and failing to protect consumers.

FTC Chair Lina Khan

November

FTC Chair Khan is CAGW's November 2024 Porker of the Month for consistently overreaching her authority, violating ethics standards, and pushing anti-capitalist policies.

Citizens Against Government Waste works to eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government through research and public education.