One fifth too many.

As in two sheets to the wind. Or is it three, but I won't push the drunk metaphor.
But whatever happened to the Fourth Estate? Now we have a fourth branch of government?
Whenever one gets too drunk for power you will find a fifth.

DC contractors are reported to be the fourth branch while "the press" has been neglected as an estate that merits some notice in "the will". While it is not just a case of follow the money, it could be a case of passing the buck in checks and balance.