Hillbilly wisdom: the power of the purse has traditionally been a power of Congress. There is a lapse in congressional duty when it comes to the oversight of the American taxpayer funds. Neither party has been able to execute a budget nor stay within limits when spending money is under their care. [debt tops 40 trillion]. The United States has laws about procurement methods and competitive bidding. Do the laws apply to the present administration? Where is the oversight?

It is understood- the Arkansas delegation will not vote against President Trump’s foreign policies. Look at their collective voting record if there is any doubt. Actions speak loudly and rarely lie. There is a record, a record which can be referenced in case there is ever any doubt about where a politician stands.

The question is about the number of government contracts being issued without competitive bidding. Three examples: (1) East Wing Remodel, (2) Reflecting pool and (3) Raytheon’s missile contract. These are not the only deals but these examples have been in the news and show a trend within the government. The first was a job- without a blueprint, permit, or any Congressional input. The remodel was not going to cost the American taxpayer anything. Not exactly true.

The pool was 1.8 million and would be completed in one week. Overruns of the no bid contract have cost of approximately 15 million and the job is being redone.

Last week, Raytheon was awarded 2+ billion dollars over the next 7 years for weapons’ production. Individual cost near 3.5 million per missile. 3.5 million was the best deal, discounted for volume if nothing else. Orders of 7,000 will get you a good deal. Economy of scale works for the American taxpayer. We will definitely need 7,000 replacement missiles even if we “have plenty”. Every contract issued by the government is for something that the American public needs. But the projects are getting larger and more expensive. Who is approving these expenditures?