Waste of the Day: Odd Professional Development

Voters often say that politicians have no common sense, but a little-known Senate program takes that belief a bit too seriously. The Office of Education and Training gives senators and their staffers classes on basic life skills like stress management, small talk, self-assertiveness, proper sitting posture and even sleeping.

This is professional development?

Taxpayers spent $1.9 million funding the classes in 2013, or $2.7 million in today’s money. The program still exists, but the dollar cost is unclear because it’s been incorporated into the larger Office of the Sergeant at Arms’ budget.

That’s according to the “Wastebook” reporting published by the late U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn. For years, these reports shined a white-hot spotlight on federal frauds and taxpayer abuses. 

Coburn, the legendary U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, earned the nickname “Dr. No” by stopping thousands of pork-barrel projects using the Senate rules. Projects that he couldn’t stop, Coburn included in his oversight reports.   

Coburn’s Wastebook 2013 included 100 examples of outrageous spending worth nearly $30 billion, including the Senate’s course offerings.

Key facts: One especially odd class from 2013 was called “Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep.” Senate staffers learned how to “improve your sleep environment” and “establish daily habits that promote sleep.” They were even encouraged to bring sleeping bags with them to the 1 p.m. class, when taxpayers might have been expecting them to work.

Other courses included “Small Talk: Breaking the Ice in Social Situations” and “That’s Not What I Meant!,” a one-hour class that “explores the difference between your intention and the impact of your words and behavior on the other person.” 

Elementary-school material

Some offerings seemed more appropriate for elementary school. In a course called “Forgiveness,” Senate staffers learned the “definitions of grudge and forgiveness.” A lesson called “Be Curious, Not Furious” taught participants five steps for navigating difficult relationships with colleagues.

“Grappling With Grammar” taught staffers how to “distinguish among commonly confused words.” It was necessary; the book that listed course offerings had a typo on its cover, leading to viral jokes on social media about the Office of Education and “Traiing.”

Today’s classes are a bit less humorous, but still a questionable use of public funds. In 2024, “Wellness Wednesdays” were three-hour networking and professional development sessions. And staffers already thinking about their post-Senate career can attend “Rock Your LinkedIn Profile” to learn how to build their “professional brand.”

Summary: It’s no wonder legislation takes forever to move through Congress when staffers are busy learning how to sleep and make small talk.

The #WasteOfTheDay is brought to you by the forensic auditors at OpenTheBooks.com.

This article was originally published by RealClearInvestigations and made available via RealClearWire.