Coburn Releases Worst Waste Report

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A new report by U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn documents $1.3 billion in federal spending on pet projects and grants that funded such things as an inflatable alligator and specialty potatoes for high-end restaurants.

Coburn, R-Oklahoma, is the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management.

His new report, entitled "2008: Worst Waste of the Year," was released Friday.

The Oklahoma Republican has been a fierce critic of earmarks for special projects in states and other federal spending practices.

It is the first time he has compiled a report documenting what he considers the worst spending for an entire year.

He says not even tough economic times has dulled Congress' ability to be creative in wasting taxpayer dollars.