[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING THE SECOND NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION TO ELIMINATE 
              WASTE IN GOVERNMENT--A NEW GRACE COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
create the Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in 
Government Act. This legislation is similar to H.R. 217 from the 104th 
Congress. Building upon the example set by the Grace Commission in 
1982-84, my legislation creates an independent private sector 
commission to help Congress eliminate Government waste.
  The Grace Commission, officially established as the President's 
Private Sector on Cost Control in the Federal Government, marshaled the 
considerable private sector resources of more than 2,000 business 
professionals at no cost to the taxpayers. After 2 years of 
investigating the Federal Government for more cost-effective ways of 
doing the Nation's business, the Grace Commission delivered its final 
report to President Reagan in 1984. This effort yielded more than 2,000 
commonsense, cost-cutting recommendations, two-thirds of which have 
become law and saved taxpayers nearly $450 billion. In addition, this 
commission helped establish the private, nonpartisan organization known 
as Citizens Against Government Waste.
  Building upon that example, my legislation establishes a commission 
to take several additional steps toward curbing waste in Government. 
First, the commission would survey the private sector for management 
and cost control methods to be used in the Federal Government. Second, 
the panel would conduct in-depth reviews of executive branch 
operations. Third, the panel would review and reevaluate past reports 
by agencies such as the Congressional Budget Office and the General 
Accounting Office.
  This 12-member commission would be appointed by the President and the 
bipartisan leadership of Congress, with no more than six members of the 
same political party. After the thorough review, the commission would 
report its findings and recommendations to Congress. The commission's 
finding would serve as a basis for Congress to reduce waste and 
streamline Government operations.
  I hope that all my colleagues will join me to promote greater fiscal 
responsibility and more effective Government by cosponsoring this 
legislation.

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