A bill banning the mascots is part of the government’s plan to cut $2 trillion in federal spending. The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, seeks to eliminate mascots representing federal agencies like the “Mighty Minters,” a fox and bird at the U.S. Mint.
![[Coloring books the bill is seeking to eliminate]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/24/01/Image-1-23-25-at-7.36%E2%80%AFPM.jpg)
The child-friendly mascots (represented by images and costumed federal workers) are supposed to help visiting kids better understand the work of various agencies. Ernst announced the legislation, dubbed the Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act, in a news release Thursday.
“You might mistake Washington for a very expensive kid’s birthday party, with federal employees playing dress up, appearing as mascots, and making coloring books,” said Ernst in a written statement. “I am going to crash the party and bag this costly swag. Misbehaving bureaucrats need to stop wasting tax dollars trying to refurbish their bad reputation, and focus on serving the American people,” she added.
The names of mascots on the hit list are “Champa Boom,” a kind of bear at the Department of Defense, “Sammy Soil,” at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, “Vin Vasive,” an insect at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, “Tracker,” a stuffed german shepherd, and “Agent Teddy” at Customs and Border Protection.
