Bustos, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Effort To Cut Government Waste

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined with Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) to introduce the Government Transformation Act, a new bipartisan effort to cut duplicative services and root out waste in government while protecting middle class priorities.

"Every year, think tanks, auditors, investigators and even Uncle Sam's own Government Accountability Office crank out report after report concluding the same thing - too many federal government programs are inefficient, costly, ineffective or all of the above," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "And yet every year, these conclusions are largely ignored. Our common sense bipartisan bill attacks government waste and helps ensure government programs are more economical, efficient, and effective."

"Cutting down on government waste is a step in the right direction as we strive to get our fiscal house in order without jeopardizing essential programs," said Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. "By working together, we can follow through on waste and inefficiency reduction plans already in place -- giving us common ground to begin the larger discussion on reining in government programs and reducing our $18 trillion national debt. As a member of No Labels, I'm proud to introduce this smart legislation with Congresswoman Bustos and increase the number of members looking to fix not fight."

The Government Transformation Act establishes a new bipartisan Commission for Government Transformation, which will oversee and affect the transformation of various federal government programs and functions so they will be more economical, efficient, and effective. The Commission will feature seven members -- appointed by the President and the leadership of both parties in the House and the Senate -- and a dedicated expert staff that would review all activities of government and develop specific legislative recommendations.

Numerous facets of the federal government's operations demand reform, and the Commission will examine issues including: government management practices, financial controls, the alignment of specific programs with strategic goals and the elimination of failed programs.

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