The federal budget process remains mired in last-minute negotiations as 2024 draws to a close. Lawmakers are once again facing a crisis of their own making as they negotiate a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded. These stopgap measures have become emblematic of Washington’s inability to pass timely budgets.

Just days before the December 20 deadline, congressional leaders unveiled a CR to extend current funding levels until March 14, 2025, narrowly averting a government shutdown. This temporary measure included $100 billion in disaster relief, $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, a one-year extension of the farm bill, and a grab bag of other stuff. However, within a day of the text’s release, the president-elect, echoing Elon Musk’s tweets, demanded that Republicans reject the bill and instead pass a “clean” CR—with the added twist of raising the nation’s debt ceiling. This latest fiscal standoff underscores how disruptive and costly it is to delay critical budget decisions, perpetuating a cycle of fiscal procrastination.

As we prepare for the challenges of 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year gone by—a year where TCS stood resolute in our mission to expose wasteful spending, demand accountability, and advocate for smarter use of taxpayer dollars. The work wasn’t easy, but it was essential. Let’s take a closer look at how we tackled 2024—celebrating our successes, addressing challenges, and charting the road ahead as we mark 30 years of championing taxpayers.

Budget Battles: Same Old Gimmicks, New Year, Same TCS

The federal budget process was its usual circus this year: CRs to avoid shutdowns at the beginning and the end of the year, budget gimmicks, and all the trappings of fiscal procrastination. But TCS wasn’t buying it. We called out the smoke and mirrors, from reallocating unspent COVID-19 funds to pushing temporary fixes instead of real reform. Through testimony, sharp reports, and public advocacy, we pushed for smarter, more disciplined appropriations. Because when it comes to federal dollars, “kick the can” isn’t a strategy—it’s a problem.

Agriculture Subsidies: Stop Feeding the Fat Cats

Farm subsidies continued to favor large agribusinesses over small farmers in 2024, but TCS didn’t let it slide. We teamed up with allies like the Environmental Working Group and R Street Institute to push for changes that could save taxpayers billions. Capping crop insurance subsidies? Yes, please. Income eligibility limits for federal farm programs? Absolutely. And let’s not even get started on raising reference prices in the farm bill—because giving billions more to a few mega-farms at taxpayers’ expense? Not on our watch.

National Security: Defense Dollars, Not Blank Checks

For the seventh year running, the Pentagon failed its audit—and TCS was there to hold it accountable. We dug into bloated programs like the Columbia-class submarine and Sentinel ICBM, shining a light on cost overruns and industry-driven spending. When Congress included $39 billion in Pentagon program increases in the FY25 Pentagon spending bills, we called it out for what is was – an unnecessary, lobbying-fueled shopping spree. Through sharp analysis and direct engagement with policymakers, we pressed for a smarter, more strategic defense budget—because real security doesn’t come from wasteful spending.

Disaster Response: Smarter Spending for a Safer Future

Hurricanes, wildfires, floods—you name it, 2024 threw it at us. But TCS wasn’t just talking about the weather; we were talking about the dollars. We championed reforms to federal flood insurance to reduce taxpayer exposure and supported smarter investments in pre-disaster mitigation. We tracked wildfire spending across the federal budget to gain a better sense of where your taxpayer cash is going, why and to what end. Our message was simple: building climate resilience isn’t just good policy—it’s common sense for the bottom line.

Energy & Natural Resources: Fair Returns, No Free Rides

From oil and gas royalties to carbon capture subsidies, TCS worked hard to make sure taxpayers weren’t left holding the bag. We pushed for higher royalties that reflect market rates, exposed loopholes in carbon capture subsidies, and fought against corporate giveaways dressed up as climate solutions. Transparency and accountability were the name of the game, ensuring every public dollar spent delivered measurable benefits—not padded profits.

Infrastructure: Fix First, Build Smarter

Despite historic investments, infrastructure funding still teetered on the edge in 2024. TCS doubled down on a “fix-it-first” approach, advocating for repairs to existing assets before building shiny new projects with questionable returns. We also pushed for sustainable funding mechanisms like Vehicle Miles Traveled fees, so those who use the roads help pay for them—keeping federal taxpayers from footing the whole bill.

Looking Ahead: Bring On 2025 – Taxpayers for Common Sense’s 30^th anniversary

Here’s where we’re headed next:

• Budget Reform: Enough with multiple CRs—it’s time for timely, responsible appropriations.
• Wasteful Spending: From defense to agriculture, we’re staying on the hunt for programs that fail taxpayers. We’ve been doing it for 30 years and we welcome newcomers to the budget sandbox if they show up with real solutions.
• Disaster Spending: Stepping up climate resilience by supporting policies that cut disaster recovery costs with smarter, up-front investments.
• Transparency: Keeping federal spending out in the open where it belongs.

At Taxpayers for Common Sense, we believe every dollar matters. In 2024, we fought for fiscal responsibility with determination and clarity—and we’re just getting started for 2025. After all, smart spending isn’t wishful thinking—it’s just common sense.