In a recent examination of the FY26 minibus appropriations bill, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has voiced strong opposition to what he deems wasteful federal spending. On Thursday, Ogles took to social media to express his concerns over earmarks, which he believes are squandering millions of taxpayer dollars on healthcare organizations that provide gender transition services, late-term abortions, and embryonic stem cell research.
One of the primary focal points of Ogles' critique was a $995,000 allocation to AltaMed, a health organization based in California that serves predominantly Hispanic communities and offers hormone therapy and gender transition services. Ogles highlighted that the AltaMed Foundation President, Zoila D. Escobar, has a history of donating to Democratic candidates, suggesting potential partisan bias in the earmark process.
"These earmarks are complete garbage," Ogles stated, emphasizing the misalignment of such spending with the priorities of Americans, especially in light of a national debt nearing $38.5 trillion. He listed additional allocations to various healthcare institutions across the country, including $3 million to Denver Health in Colorado and over $4 million to Christiana Care in Delaware, among others, which he claims support controversial procedures.
Ogles also criticized specific projects he believes promote what he calls "child grooming," such as a $200,000 earmark for a Charlottesville, Virginia, child-care center that hosts LGBT support groups. He extended his critique to funding directed toward Maryland Global Refuge, an organization involved in resettling migrants, including Somali immigrants, into the United States, linking these allocations to Democratic sponsors.
The Republican lawmaker's concerns are part of a broader debate over federal spending priorities, transparency in earmarks, and the influence of partisanship in appropriations. While advocates for the earmarked programs argue that the funds are necessary for critical healthcare services and medical research, Ogles contends that the projects do not reflect the values or interests of the majority of American taxpayers and are indicative of reckless spending during a time of escalating national debt.
As the FY26 minibus bill progresses through Congress, Ogles has vowed to continue his scrutiny of the earmarks and support amendments, such as one proposed by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), to eliminate funding for projects he views as wasteful or politically motivated. This ongoing tension between partisan priorities, ethical considerations, and taxpayer resource allocation is emblematic of the challenges faced in federal budget decisions.
