It’s been more than 20 years since the federal government last balanced the budget. While Americans are obligated to lenders and creditors for overspending, the government has made a habit of spending more than it takes in.

You could say that Congress was doing “girl math” long before it was cool. 

Popularized on social media, “girl math” refers to an unwritten playbook women sometimes use to justify purchases. A jacket anticipated to cost $150 is on sale for $75, so now you can spend the other $75 on a pair of shoes because you save 50% of the jacket. That’s girl math. Or you forgot you had $20 in your Venmo account; so, paying your friend back for dinner was actually “free.” That, too, is “girl math.” 

While “girl math” is usually a funny joke between friends, it can go too far to justify irresponsible spending, and no one is better at justifying lavish and wasteful spending than the federal government. 

Congress returns to Washington, D.C., next week after its summer recess. Given that lawmakers hold the power of the purse, it’s the job of Congress to pass 12 appropriations bills before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. Instead, what has happened in previous years, and what’s expected to happen again this year, is Congress will disagree over spending levels and, in order to keep the doors of the government open, a continuing resolution will be passed to keep the government funded.

Eventually, after enough arm-twisting and hand-wringing, Congress will pass a budget for the new fiscal year, likely a couple of days before Christmas. In the end, American taxpayers are left trying to foot a bill citizens never asked for and can’t afford. 

On this week’s edition of “Problematic Women,” we dig into the congressional budget process, and why Congress fails time and again to balance the budget. 

Also on today’s show, we celebrate the start of the college football season with some controversial news over sign-stealing. And women’s rugby star Ilona Maher is back in headlines for her bikini shoot with Sports Illustrated. We bring you all the gossip on this and more. Enjoy the show!