The WasteWatcher: The Staff Blog of Citizens Against Government Waste

The WasteWatcher

The WasteWatcher is the staff blog of Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW). For questions, contact blog@cagw.org.



New HHS Transparency Regulation Mandates Inaccurate Information

October 17, 2018 - 17:02 — Elizabeth Wright

The Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers Association (PhRMA), the trade association that represents the nation’s leading biopharmaceutical research companies, announced a new proposal on Monday regarding direct-to-consumer (DTC) television advertising.  This voluntary agreement by PhRMA members would help patients access more useful information about the cost of their medicines.

Grossly Expensive 'Medicare for All' - Hidden in Plain Sight

October 12, 2018 - 15:29 — Elizabeth Wright

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has an editorial today, “The Price of BernieCare” and declares that “Democrats object that Republicans are telling voters the truth about single payer.” The WSJ points out that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said this week that healthcare will determine the result of the November elections.  Meanwhile, the Republicans are running political ads across the country that focus on the huge costs associated with implementing “Medicare for All,” Sen.

More Clarity that BPA is Safe

October 5, 2018 - 16:19 — Elizabeth Wright

The long-awaited final core study on Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used to produce strong plastic products and epoxy resins, has been released.  On September 28, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) announced that the CLARITY-BPA Core Study and Primary Data from the CLARITY-BPA Grantee Studies were available.  The core study confirms what has been known for years:  BPA is safe. 

Lost in Space: New Branch Makes Little Sense

October 4, 2018 - 16:08 — Sean Kennedy

Citizens Against Government Waste has previously covered the idea of creating a sixth military branch. 

The argument in favor of a Space Force is almost entirely without merit.  It will increase bureaucracy, add to overhead costs, complicate existing command structures, all without providing additional capabilities. 

DOJ Files Suit Against California’s Onerous Net Neutrality Law

October 2, 2018 - 17:04 — Deborah Collier

While not unexpected, it was still disappointing to see California Governor Jerry Brown (D) sign into law Senate Bill 822, creating the most restrictive set of rules for internet service providers (ISPs) in U.S. history.  California has often attempted to set standards for the rest of the nation in everything from the environment to technology, often in contravention of the federal powers reserved under the Constitution. 

Healthcare Remains a Top Issue in November Elections

October 1, 2018 - 16:50 — Elizabeth Wright

Healthcare remains a top issue among voters for the upcoming November 2018 elections.  In a September 26, Pew Research poll, 88 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of Republicans believe healthcare is second in importance to Supreme Court nominations.

Initiative 185 Would Raise Taxes on All Montanans

October 1, 2018 - 10:58 — Spencer Chretien

Montanans will decide the fate of Initiative 185 when they vote this November.  The ballot measure is needed, proponents say, because it will finally accomplish the most noble, yet elusive, of goals: reducing smoking and raising revenue for the expansion of Medicaid in Montana, so that thousands more can realize the benefits of healthcare.  It would raise the cigarette tax by $2 per pack; raise taxes on moist snuff by the greater of 83 percent of the wholesale price or $3.70 per 1.2 ounces; and raise taxes by 33 percent on vaping products.  The proceeds, it is claimed, would fund Medicaid e

Fix the BBA Allocation Flip and Medicare Cliff in Part D

September 20, 2018 - 13:42 — Elizabeth Wright

Congress is back from its summer hiatus and there will be a flurry of activity the next few weeks.  With the elections just around the corner, there is a lot to get done before mid-October, when members will be returning home to campaign.  Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) hopes Congress will use this time to fix some of the harmful changes made to our healthcare system thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare.  Congress could start with repairing damage done to Medicare Part D that was further aggravated with a policy change implemented in the 201

Legal Sports Betting Should Be Allowed to Thrive

September 20, 2018 - 12:12 — Spencer Chretien

In May 2018, in Murphy v. NCAA, the Supreme Court invalidated a 1992 law called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which prohibited most states from legalizing sports betting.

Proposed FCC Rules Push 5G Forward

September 11, 2018 - 15:54 — CAGW Staff

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to make it easier than ever for communities across the nation to bring cutting-edge wireless service to millions of Americans. 

On September 26, 2018, the FCC will vote on a proposed rule that will hasten nationwide implementation of 5G cellular infrastructure. If adopted, the rules would limit the burdensome restrictions that local governments often place on the installation of “small cell” devices such as permitting fees, maintenance fees, and wait times.

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