Planet Money The Big Government Money Pipe Freeze
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Feb 14, 2025 
Lauren Bauer, an expert on nutrition assistance programs at the Brookings Institution, sheds light on the federal spending chaos caused by a Trump-era freeze. She discusses the real impact on jobs and services like healthcare and childcare. The conversation highlights an invaluable tool—the Daily Treasury Statement—that helps track federal funds amid confusion. They explore how transparency in government spending is crucial, especially during turbulent times, ensuring citizens can stay informed and advocate for their needs.
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Government Money Pipe
- The federal government uses a "money pipe," the Treasury's Secure Payment System, for nearly 90% of its payments.
- This system funds various agencies, from Medicaid and Veterans Affairs to the Library of Congress and the FCC.
DTS for Clarity
- Lauren Bauer at Brookings used the Daily Treasury Statement (DTS) to track government spending during COVID.
- She realized the DTS could clarify the confusion around recent spending freezes.
Transparency by Design
- The Daily Treasury Statement's existence isn't accidental; it's part of U.S. transparency efforts.
- Laws like the DATA Act mandate public access to federal spending data online.