Murphy Introduces Third Bipartisan SAVE Act to Cut Over $100 Billion in Wasteful Spending

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy introduced the bipartisan Savings, Accountability, Value, and Efficiency III (SAVE III) Act to cut approximately $102 billion of government spending over 10 years by rooting out waste and improving government efficiency. This bill is an extension of Murphy's previously introduced bipartisan SAVE Act (H.R.1999) and SAVE II Act (H.R.3146), which together would save an estimated $230 billion over ten years. This bill further tightens the government's belt and puts the combined savings of all three SAVE Acts at an estimated $332 billion. Joining Murphy in introducing the third SAVE Act are Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Joe Garcia (D-FL), David Jolly (R-FL), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), Tom Rice (R-SC), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Eric Swalwell (D-CA). ​(Please click here to view a copy of this legislation and below please find further details on the provisions included in the bill).

"As Congress works on long-term solutions to our nation's unacceptable level of debt, we must remain focused on growing our economy while reducing needless government spending that serves only as a burden on American families," said Rep. Murphy. "This bill, which would cut $102 billion, builds on the bipartisan success of the first two SAVE Acts, finding even more ways to cut needless spending and improve government efficiency. While tough decisions are needed to put our country on a fiscally sustainable path, these common-sense measures are a step in the right direction, saving taxpayers billions of dollars and bringing greater accountability to government."

"I never miss an opportunity to work with my colleagues across the aisle. The SAVE III Act, which would save billions, is the kind of common-sense solution that all Americans should be able to get behind," said Rep. Meadows. "I appreciate Rep. Patrick Murphy's leadership on this important cost-reducing legislation."

"The bipartisan SAVE III Act cuts wasteful spending and government inefficiencies with no impact on critical services or investments. This bill is made up of commonsense solutions that reduce the debt by $102 billion over 10 years," said Rep. Sinema. "The SAVE III Act is a step toward reducing the deficit and I urge Congress to pass bills like the SAVE Acts to reduce waste and inefficiency in the federal government."

"Congress should never stop looking for ways to reduce the budget and reduce the burden on American taxpayers," Rep. Jolly said. "The SAVE III Act provides common sense savings that can be supported by all Members of Congress regardless of party."

"As our nation and economy continue to recover from the effects of the recession, it is important to find bipartisan solutions that will not only reduce the deficit, but help our economy flourish and help American families get back on their feet," said Rep. Garcia. "This bill is both smart and responsible, cutting needless spending and improving government efficiency - two critical components of a healthy American economy."

"The American people deserve a responsible, balanced budget. I'm honored to join with my colleagues on the bipartisan United Solutions Caucus to cut $102 billion in wasteful and duplicative spending to improve efficiency and save the taxpayers $330 billion over ten years," Rep. Swalwell said. "Balancing the budget also requires that we close tax loopholes and ensure millionaires and corporations pay their fair share so we can maintain our investment in education, infrastructure, and help create good-paying American jobs."

"Saving American taxpayers' money and finding ways the federal government can run more efficiently is one of the most important duties we have as representatives," said Rep. Rice. "The SAVE III Act is a financially smart bill, and I applaud my colleague for his work on this legislation."

"This bipartisan bill is a fiscally responsible and pragmatic approach to reign in wasteful government spending," said Dr. Ruiz. "Working to make government more efficient by cutting needless spending is a top priority for the families I serve across the Coachella Valley and this measure will save an estimated $102 billion over the next 10 years. I will continue to work to find sensible, common sense solutions to eliminate wasteful and duplicative federal spending."

"I always jump at the opportunity to work with my colleagues across the aisle to develop common-sense solutions to problems," said Rep. Mulvaney. "This bill cuts wasteful spending and aims to bring some fiscal sanity to Washington. I'm proud to work with my colleagues on this initiative."

"Congress must work together to reduce our nation's deficit and debt so we can make smart investments that move our economy forward," said Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02). "I've long advocated for the elimination of duplicative and wasteful programs in the government, and I'm proud to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to put forward this common sense legislation. The SAVE III Act will cut unnecessary spending, improve government efficiency, and save taxpayers approximately 102 billion dollars over ten years. I call on my colleagues in Congress to swiftly pass this responsible piece of legislation"

SAVE III would implement several common-sense solutions to reduce wasteful and duplicative federal spending, including improved management of licenses for software like Microsoft Word, shutting down computers at night, improving energy efficiency in federal facilities, and making corrupt bureaucrats ineligible for taxpayer funded pensions.

The SAVE III Act features the following provisions:

Software License Management -- GAO reports that agency efforts to centralize software purchases and track use thereof are fragmented and ineffective. Strong OMB guidance on this issue would create significant savings through bulk buying as well as shedding of unnecessary licenses. This provision would require OMB to issue such guidance. $10 billion saved.

Improved Postal Service Fuel Efficiency -- Despite USPS efforts to improve the efficiency of its delivery fleet, average efficiency is now about 8.5 mpg, Even a small increase in efficiency would save a significant amount of money because the delivery fleet must cover 1.2 billion miles per year. This provision would push the USPS to step up fuel-efficiency efforts. $1 billion saved.

Shut Down PCs at Night -- Standard procedure across most agencies is to leave desktop computers powered on 24 hours per day even though most of them are used between 9 and 10 hours per day. This provision would require agencies to power down idling desktop computers for at least four hours every day (e.g. between 1am and 5am). $193 million saved.

No Pensions for Corrupt Bureaucrats -- Surprisingly, federal employees convicted on corruption charges may still collect their full federal retirement benefits. While the number of corrupt government officials is low, the long period over which retired officials collect benefits means that the cost to taxpayers adds insult to injury. This provision would cut taxpayer contributions to corrupt officials because those who violate the public trust should not be entitled to a taxpayer funded parachute. $600 million saved.

No More OCO Slush Fund -- The Administration has continued to use the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account to fund non-war-related activities to the tune of billions of dollars per year. The OMB has issued guidance on what constitutes a reasonable war-related expense covered under the OCO. This provision would codify OMBs guidance, formally shutting down the slush fund. This language was included in the House-passed NDAA for 2015. $50 billion saved.

Energy Efficient Buildings - Each agency currently is working to come up with recommendations for facility improvements to lower energy costs. This provision would push agencies to implement these recommendations through performance savings contracts whereby the government pays for the upgrades with savings resulting from improved efficiency. Just as the American people are doing their part to increase efficiency, reduce energy usage, and cut costs, so should the federal government. $10 billion saved.

Duplicative Senior Health Payments -- Billions of dollars are spent every year making duplicative healthcare payments on behalf of individuals simultaneously enrolled in Medicare Advantage and the VA. This provision would study redundant payments and make recommendations to Congress that preserve the Medicare guarantee and choice, provide greater stewardship of tax dollars, minimize disruption to MA availability and networks, and focus on beneficiary satisfaction and outcomes. $30 billion saved.

Efficient Medicare Billing -- This proposal, originally from Rep. Renacci (R-OH) would give Medicare beneficiaries the option of receiving their summary notice of benefits electronically. Additionally, it would also extend the period for which CMS has to competitively bid MAC contracts from every 5 years to every 10 years, while preserving the option to rebid as needed. $60 million saved.

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