From cats running on treadmills to monkey’s gambling, these are just some of the shocking ways the government is wasting YOUR money. Dr. Phil takes a hard-hitting look at the outrageous and often ludicrous spending of your tax dollars by our government. With national debt exceeding $34 trillion, the government's spending habits seem more reckless than ever, including $2.7 million on cats running on treadmills and $1.8 million on monkeys gambling. These examples are just a few of the questionable expenditures adding up to trillions of dollars, money that comes directly from the pockets of everyday Americans like you—small business owners, government employees, and hardworking citizens. Dr. Phil is joined by Tareka, a small business owner who says she needs money from the government to continue, but can’t get it, and Venisi, a three-time combat veteran who says that despite his service to the country he could not secure a loan for his small business. Also weighing in is Dr. Monica Crowley, Ph.D., former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs, who warns against social programs and small business spending as a threat to the nation's future, and Adam Andrzejewsk, a government watchdog who say the government needs to be held accountable for every penny it spends. Additionally, we hear from Ginger, a military spouse forced to rely on food banks during the government shutdown, and Calvin, a long-time government employee burdened by inefficient mandated purchasing practices. Together with audience guests who bring diverse perspectives, they debate a critical problem impacting us all.