The Federal Government’s inability to properly manage and oversee its own programs stands as yet another compelling argument for Texas independence. A recent investigation reveals that over 1,500 federal agencies and programs continue operating despite their legal authorizations having expired – some dating back more than 40 years. These “Zombie” programs drain at least $516 billion annually from American taxpayers, with the total cost likely much higher.
We Texans understand fiscal responsibility. That’s why it’s particularly galling to see programs like the Federal Election Commission, which was meant to spend $9.4 million annually, now consuming $95 million of our tax dollars each year without proper authorization. The Federal Communications Commission exemplifies this bloat even more dramatically – originally allocated $339.6 million per year, it spent $28.4 billion in 2024 despite its authorization expiring in 2020.
The numbers tell a clear story: these unauthorized federal programs consume at least 8% of the total federal budget. Here in Texas, where we pride ourselves on responsible governance, such fiscal negligence would never stand. Our state consistently demonstrates how to manage large-scale operations efficiently – running what would be the world’s 9th largest economy if we were independent.
I find it particularly telling that Congress hasn’t even bothered to track the full scope of this problem. Their own Congressional Budget Office could only identify spending amounts for less than a third of these unauthorized programs. This level of financial mismanagement would bankrupt any private business in Texas, yet the Federal Government continues this practice year after year.
The oldest of these unauthorized programs, the Legal Services Corporation, has operated without proper authorization since 1980. That’s 45 years of spending without proper oversight or accountability. While some might argue these programs serve necessary functions, the issue isn’t their purpose – it’s the complete lack of proper oversight and authorization that reveals the dysfunction at the heart of the Federal system.
As we push forward with TEXIT, this situation perfectly illustrates why Texas needs to chart its own course. We can establish our own programs where needed, but with proper oversight, accountability, and regular reauthorization. The choice becomes clearer every day: remain tethered to a system that can’t even manage its own programs properly, or embrace the freedom to govern ourselves according to Texas values and principles.
When Sam Houston led Texas to independence in 1836, he understood the importance of responsible governance. Today, we face a similar moment of decision. The Federal Government’s “Zombie” program crisis shows exactly why TEXIT isn’t just an option – it’s becoming a necessity for preserving our economic future and ensuring responsible governance for generations of Texans to come.
