The recent Senate confirmation hearing for Russell Vought, the nominee for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), turned unexpectedly comedic, thanks to Senator John Kennedy (R-LA). Known for his wit, Senator Kennedy delivered a memorable moment, combining political critique with biblical humor, which had both the chamber and the public chuckling, particularly aimed at the audacious spending trends of the Biden administration.
During the proceedings, Senator Kennedy didn’t hold back his disdain for the excessive federal expenditures that the U.S. has witnessed under President Biden’s tenure. Highlighting a stark contrast, Kennedy remarked, “I used to read your suggestions during President Trump’s first term, many of which Congress ignored. We shouldn’t have. I am delighted that the President picked you. I have read that since 2019, the population of America has increased 2%, and our spending has increased 55% under President Biden.” This comment illuminated the dramatic rise in government spending, referencing how, in his view, the previous administration’s fiscal discipline was ignored to detrimental effect.
In a remarkable revelation underscoring government inefficiency, Senator Kennedy called attention to the misuse of funds within stimulus programs. He pointed out, “I hope you’ll start with the low-hanging fruit. There’s a lot. When we sent out stimulus checks to save our economy, $1.6 billion went to dead people, and the checks were cashed, obviously a fraud.” This critique poignantly reflected on an OMB estimate that in the fiscal year 2023, $1.3 billion of checks were dispatched to deceased individuals, painting a picture of profound fraud and waste.
Kennedy provided a detailed explanation of the bureaucratic issues contributing to these blunders, noting, “When you die in America, your name is sent to the Social Security Administration, and you become part of the master file.” Despite his efforts, alongside Senator Carper, to implement necessary changes, they were met with significant resistance within Washington, requiring them to agree to a prolonged trial period stretching into 2026.
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY: "You're going to be challenging the status quo. You're going to be called crazy. Many people also called Noah crazy. And then the rains came, and all the fact checkers died." pic.twitter.com/vPWwGTUJK0
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) January 22, 2025
In his exchange with Vought, Kennedy solicited the nominee’s commitment to permanently rectify these problems. Vought’s straightforward response, “Yes, Senator,” was met with approval. However, it was Kennedy’s humorous closing line that truly stole the show.
Alluding to biblical narratives, he humorously compared those skeptical of Vought’s reform plans to the naysayers of Noah’s time, asserting, “You’re going to be called crazy. They also called Noah crazy. Then the rains came, and all the fact-checkers died.” The jest, with its playful jab at liberal media and fact-checkers, resonated deeply with conservative audiences.