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

State Legislators Should Reject Government Takeovers of Utilities

Proposals to establish new municipal utilities would roll back the advance of energy privatization.

Alec Mena February 14, 2025

The WasteWatcher

BEAD Requirements Should Be Rolled Back

NTIA's complicated guidance and approval process has delayed infrastructure deployment of broadband using BEAD funding.

Deborah Collier February 13, 2025

The WasteWatcher

340B Must Be Reformed in the 119th Congress

340B reform should not only should be acted on by Congress, but also reviewed by DOGE.

Christina Smith February 12, 2025

The WasteWatcher

A Penny Saved From Production Means Dollars Earned for Taxpayers

President Trump's announcement that the U.S. Mint will halt production of the penny is good news for taxpayers.

Deborah Collier February 11, 2025

The WasteWatcher

USPS Reforms Must Be Included in Reconciliation

Congress must include reforms to the USPS in reconciliation and DOGE should take a close look as well.

Thomas Schatz February 11, 2025

The WasteWatcher

Joint Strike Fighter Limited by Inadequate Software

The F-35’s software development is plagued by underperformance and delays, raising serious concerns about the JSF’s reliability.

Sean Kennedy February 10, 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

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.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

October

Chairwoman Rosenworcel distressingly denied vital funds for Starlink which hurt rural areas that need constant broadband access.

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