Should the government disclose its budget failures?

Washington has a spending problem. Time and time again, we see government projects go billions over budget and years behind schedule — with no accountability.

That’s why I’ve introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act with Sen. Joni Ernst. Our bill would require public disclosure of taxpayer-funded projects that are at least $1 billion over budget or five years behind schedule.

Consider these examples:

•A California rail project costing $1.8 million per day — yet no tracks have been laid. The original $33 billion price tag has now skyrocketed to $128 billion.

•The U.S. Postal Service’s electric vehicle project — a $10 billion taxpayer-funded program to modernize the fleet. Three years after the initial order, fewer than 100 of the 50,000 vehicles have been delivered.

•A NASA moon project that is $6 billion over budget and delayed due to mismanagement.

Iowans work hard to make every dollar count. They expect their elected leaders to do the same. But unelected Washington bureaucrats continue to waste taxpayer dollars on mismanaged projects with no consequences.

That’s why I joined the bipartisan DOGE Caucus and am working to rein in wasteful spending and demand results.

Transparency is the first step toward accountability. By exposing these billion-dollar failures, taxpayer dollars can be spent wisely, and government projects can be completed efficiently.

Washington must learn to live within its means, just like American families and businesses do every day. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that wasteful spending is brought to light and that every dollar is spent responsibly.

Great to welcome Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to D.C. We discussed the federal response to avian flu and supporting Iowa agriculture in Congress.

Had a great meeting with ACC Action. They’re dedicated to tackling our toughest energy and environmental challenges with fresh, innovative solutions. Impressed by their forward-thinking approach.

Had a good discussion with Iowa farmers about the importance of 45Z and sustainable regenerative agriculture. Great having you all in D.C.

Great meeting with Iowa representatives from the American Legion to discuss their priorities for the new Congress.

Really enjoyed meeting Iowa State students to discuss grants, tuition costs, and more. Their banner made an appearance, but everyone knows my heart is with the Hawkeyes.

Had a great meeting with Peak Energy — a sodium-ion battery innovator building in America to counter CCP dominance in energy tech.

Met with constituents from the Quad Cities to discuss the fight to cure stomach cancer.

Great to meet with Iowans supporting the US-Israel relationship. We are committed to countering the Iranian regime and Hamas terrorists.

Great meeting with A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa to discuss legislation that prevents motorcyclists from being unfairly targeted. I appreciate all the work they do to promote safe riding practices.

Over 200 independent and chain pharmacies in Iowa have closed in the last decade because of PBMs. I'm proud to be leading legislation, such as the DRUG Act, to eliminate their shady practices.

Through PBM reform, we can lower prescription drug prices and deliver the care Iowans need to survive.

Rep. Heaton was a giant of a man — a mentor, a friend, and a neighbor. His service to Iowa and our nation will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Dave.