The federal government hit a milestone in 2024. For the first time, interest payments on the national debt exceeded our defense budget. In 2026, interest on the debt will grow past $1 trillion. It's out of control.

Yet, Congress continues to excessively spend our taxpayer dollars each year. Politicians refuse to make hard, often unpopular decisions – like enacting serious and responsible cost-cutting actions.

Throughout the '80s, the U.S. had a military base in almost every state. We had too many of them, but no politicians, obviously, would vote to close a base in their home state. That would be a big mess.

To get around that, the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission was created by Congress to review bases and make recommendations. As a result, over 350 military installations in over 30 states were closed between 1988 and 2005.

BRAC succeeded because it was set up as an independent commission composed of independent experts. Their recommendations were not based on any political considerations – only military need. The commission made tough decisions that lawmakers couldn't because, as politicians, they could not upset constituents.

Maybe it's time for a BRAC-like fiscal commission that can address out-of-control spending and our ever-increasing national debt. We know the politicians won't do it because spending cuts don't get
you reelected.

DOGE started the process of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse across the federal
government. And we know what happened to DOGE…

Families understand they can't spend more than they take in indefinitely. It just doesn't
work. The federal government needs to understand that, too. Otherwise, it all comes
crashing down.

It's frustrating. It's ridiculous.

P.S.: Over 330 acres of Fort McPherson Army Base are now Tyler Perry Studios, so all is not lost!