Senator Joni Ernst Targets Federal Spending on Mascots and Promotional Items

The proposed SWAG Act aims to cut $1.8 billion in federal spending on agency mascots, coloring books, and other promotional materials deemed wasteful.

• Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa has introduced the Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act to eliminate federal spending on promotional mascots, trinkets, and related materials.
• The bill highlights examples such as the USDA's 'Vin Vasive' insect mascot and the Department of Homeland Security's coloring books, labeling them as unnecessary government propaganda.
• Federal agencies reportedly spent $1.8 billion on advertising and promotional items in 2023, more than doubling the expenditure from 2018, according to a Rebuild Local News study.
• The SWAG Act includes exceptions for military recruitment efforts but aims to restrict spending on non-essential promotional campaigns unless explicitly authorized by law.
• The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Department of Government Efficiency, chaired by Elon Musk, to reduce federal waste, with a goal of cutting up to $500 billion annually.

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