UPDATE (3/31/20): The COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law by President Trump includes bipartisan spending oversight measures advocated by WCW and others, including an independent oversight panel led by Inspectors General and a public website reporting how stimulus funds are being spent. WCW is grateful to Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Gary Peters (D-MI)–the chairman and ranking member of the Senate’s government oversight committee, respectively–for their leadership to secure this critical oversight.

Original post (3/26/20)

Congress is poised to pass a $2 trillion stimulus package (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act) to provide much-needed relief for Americans as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic. And White Coat Waste Project is urging lawmakers to ensure this emergency funding goes to programs that actually help families and businesses devastated by this historic public health crisis.

Justin Goodman and Jason Pye: Americans are rightfully worried about the health of their friends, families, and 401Ks. People shouldn’t also have to worry that federal emergency funds are being wasted to put fish on treadmills. https://t.co/fGMCsmbxby https://t.co/xbP5luHwxl

— American Greatness (@theamgreatness) March 25, 2020

In a new op-ed, WCW and FreedomWorks urge Congress and President Trump to create an independent oversight committee for stimulus spending and a system allowing taxpayers and lawmakers to track what projects the money is paying for and what impact they have on the economy.

Americans are worried about the health of their friends, families.

???? People shouldn’t also have to worry that federal funds to save lives/livelihoods are being wasted to put fish on treadmills or renovate an opera house. #ampFW @Pye @WhiteCoatWaste https://t.co/MGbhMwsVwU

— FreedomWorks (@FreedomWorks) March 25, 2020

If history is any indication, taxpayers can’t let Uncle Sam off the hook just because he might be sending a check their way.  A decade ago during the Great Recession, millions in economic stimulus funds were infamously wasted on taxpayer-funded animal experiments like hooking monkeys on cocaine and putting fish on treadmills.

U.S. government spent (or wasted?) $1.5 million to find out what happens when fish get on a treadmill (via @JeffFlake) pic.twitter.com/3KPSTJMtbV

— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 10, 2017

We need enhanced transparency and accountability about federal spending so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. After all, government agencies set to receive billions in stimulus money are still funding experiments that put dead turtles on treadmills and create junkie monkeys.

Sen. Joni Ernst: “Your tax dollars actually paid for a study that put turtles on treadmills.” pic.twitter.com/qrWZWCQgrp

— The Hill (@thehill) March 12, 2020

Tell your lawmakers that you have a right to know how your money is being spent!