[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E232-E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SLIMMING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of 
government spending. Prescription medicines for seniors, helping 
families own their own homes, supporting education and defending 
America--the list of the government's responsibilities to the American

[[Page E233]]

people is numerous. But, while it is the government's responsibility to 
provide assistance to the needy and fund programs for our children and 
seniors, it is intolerable to provide these services at the cost of 
leaving a crippling burden of debt on our children and grandchildren.
  When Congress passed the budget last year, it required us to identify 
ways to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. A task force was put together 
that was asked to report its findings. Since then, Congress and the 
General Accounting Office have identified over $85 billion in waste and 
fraud in government programs.
  There are quite a few outrageous examples of wasteful Federal 
spending. The Energy and Commerce Committee reported that by 
eliminating double-payments for welfare and Medicaid the Federal 
Government could save $3.7 billion over 10 years. The Education and 
Workforce Committee found that the government could save $340 million 
each year by allowing the Internal Revenue Service to verify the income 
eligibility of Pell Grant applicants. The Judiciary Committee reported 
that the Department of Justice spends about $2 million a year more than 
necessary on employee training.
  There are also numerous examples of duplicative programs. The Federal 
Government has over 50 different programs in eight Federal agencies to 
assist the homeless. Sixteen of those programs are specifically 
reserved for the homeless. Most of these programs have different 
eligibility standards and application procedures, making it difficult 
for the homeless population to receive help. The Federal Government 
operates 342 programs working in economic development. Six agencies and 
26 programs serve to build roads and streets. Seven agencies and 31 
programs fund water and sewer-related activities.
  Mr. Speaker, while these findings are a great step in reducing 
government spending there is still more work to be done. The percentage 
of waste in the Federal Government would be intolerable in the private 
sector. I believe that with further investigation and inquiry, we can 
find even more examples of waste, fraud and abuse. Congress should be 
accountable for every dollar of the taxpayer's money. By reducing waste 
and duplication we can create a slimmer, more effective government. 
With a government as large and as far-reaching as that of the United 
States, small mistakes and oversights can amount to millions of dollars 
of waste. Correcting those mistakes and saving these dollars should be 
a priority for every member of Congress. Working Americans deserve the 
best possible government at the lowest possible cost.
  Waste is a symptom of an ineffective government. Combating waste does 
not imply hostility toward government, but a desire to strengthen 
government programs so that they can serve constituents effectively. I 
believe it is possible to continue funding our priorities while also 
remaining fiscally responsible. By seeking to balance the budget we can 
bring accountability to government programs and departments.

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