The loss of revenue that is highlighted by this legislation confirms what most people suspect, that the federal government has accountability issues. Consumer confidence is not a short-term function, any consumer decision (theoretically) is a cost-benefit analysis of discounted future consumption patterns. To properly discount future consumption patterns an individual has to form expectations of future consumer climates and prices.The lack of accountability in the federal government influences those expectations; huge (unfunded) entitlement expenditures combined with already large deficits can be attributed to higher costs of future consumption (across the board). When this administration’s policies begin to be capitalized into tax receipts the only cost that will decrease is the opportunity cost of leisure.

How much of these improper payments derived from the wars abroad?

Also, I’m sure you make a clear and coherent link between the White House’s recognition of the scale of improper payments and consumer confidence. I can sketch the argument but I don’t know how you make those links. Clarify?