Schweikert Champions Data Scientists to Combat Government Spending Excesses

By Matthew Holloway |

Last Tuesday, Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ1) addressed the U.S. House of Representatives, highlighting the urgency of the United States’ fiscal crisis. He emphasized that this issue transcends political ideology, marking it as an unavoidable reality.

Known for his conservative stance on federal spending, Schweikert criticized the persistent “cycle of partisan folklore” that hampers effective governance on both sides of the aisle. He expressed grave concerns over the country’s escalating debt, which currently accounts for 40 percent of global sovereign borrowing.

In his speech, Schweikert warned that the Social Security trust fund is projected to collapse by 2033, potentially doubling senior poverty rates overnight. He proposed a data-driven solution that utilizes advances in artificial intelligence to address this impending crisis, indicating that Congress’s inaction has worsened the financial outlook.

He urged fellow lawmakers to focus on finding inefficiencies, stating, “If I told you we need to eliminate waste and outdated models, would you opt for an army of auditors or hire data scientists?” He pointed out the alarming statistic of $236 billion in improper payments reported in 2023, stressing the complexities behind these figures.

Schweikert advocated for greater transparency regarding Social Security, warning that without intervention, beneficiaries could face a cut of 17 to 20 percent in 2033. He cautioned that merely raising the income cap would cover only 38 percent of the program’s shortfall, jeopardizing Medicare funding as well.

He linked recent spending trends to the COVID pandemic, arguing that the unprecedented fiscal response significantly impacted the nation’s economic landscape. Schweikert concluded by questioning the tendency to assign blame rather than confront the realities facing American voters.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.