In a recent development, Congress has passed a short-term government funding bill that has been signed by President Biden, ensuring the continuation of a bloated government and burdening taxpayers until January. This bill, which is essentially kicking the can down the road, has sparked concerns among some lawmakers, with Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray stating, "avoiding a (government) shutdown is so very far from mission accomplished. We have a lot of work to do after the dust settles and before the next shutdown deadline comes up."

Critics argue that in the past, the fake scenario of a government shutdown has only served to preserve current spending while adding to the national debt, and there is little hope for reforming major drivers of debt such as Social Security and Medicare. Fiscally conservative Republicans are urged to shift their focus towards other areas of spending in order to shame the profligate spenders, including their own party members, and raise awareness among voters about the wasteful use of their tax dollars and borrowed money.

Thomas A. Schatz, the president of Citizens Against Government Waste, has proposed a list of cuts that could serve as a starting point for reducing unnecessary expenditures. One example includes cutting or eliminating the allocation of $196 million for the International Fund for Ireland, which has been used for projects such as pony trekking centers and golf videos. Additionally, the Pentagon's decision to spend $5.1 million on building a new golf course at Joint Base Andrews, despite the existence of 19 military golf courses in the Washington area, has drawn criticism.

Further examples of wasteful spending include the allocation of $440,000 for attendants to push buttons on automated elevators in the Capitol Hill complex, a misspent $4.2 million by the National Endowment for the Humanities on a "National Conversation on Pluralism and Identity," and the Pentagon and CIA's expenditure of $11 million on hiring psychics in the hopes of gaining special insights on foreign threats. The study to determine the quality of life in Hawaii, costing $187,042, and the $40 million in phony food stamp claims are also highlighted as unnecessary expenses. In addition, five Floridians were found guilty of stealing $20 million from Medicare, contributing to the estimated $17 billion in annual Medicare fraud.

Critics argue that many members of Congress seem unconcerned with such wasteful spending since it does not directly affect their own finances. However, they emphasize the importance of addressing these smaller expenses as a first step towards tackling the larger spending behemoths of Social Security and Medicare, which significantly contribute to the national debt.

The urgency of addressing the national debt is underscored by Morgan Stanley, a financial advisory firm, which warned that the current federal debt has reached a staggering $33 trillion, representing 122% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The government's net interest payments alone amounted to $659 billion during the previous fiscal year, a 39% increase compared to the previous year. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this interest expense could double in the next decade, potentially surpassing other major budget categories such as defense. Not only can a growing national debt result in increased borrowing costs for everyone, but it also runs the risk of crowding out funding for other crucial priorities.

Historically, debt has played a significant role in the decline and collapse of nations. Therefore, it is imperative for the United States to take into account basic economic principles and avoid disregarding them, as doing so could have dire consequences for the country's future.

In conclusion, the recently passed government funding bill perpetuates a bloated government and places the burden on taxpayers until January. Critics argue that addressing smaller areas of wasteful spending can serve as a stepping stone toward tackling larger contributors to the national debt, such as Social Security and Medicare. The urgent need to address the national debt is highlighted by the alarming figures presented by Morgan Stanley, warning of the potential economic consequences if decisive action is not taken.