A Department of Energy audit of the proposed Superconducting Super Collider project concluded that there had already been $216 million in "unreasonable or excessive" expenses. The audit highlighted $764,000 in "extravagant expenses," including $35,000 for a holiday party at a Dallas hotel for more than 1,000 people; $56,000 for decorative potted plants; $16,000 for a Christmas party; $14,450 for a reception at a Texas ranch; and $2,425 for liquor.

†