[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS, AND PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT ACT 
                                OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2010

  Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
2142, The Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance 
Improvement Act. This legislation will force federal agencies and 
Congress to confront a crucial question: does the government we have 
operate as efficiently and responsibly as possible? By requiring agency 
heads to set measurable goals, subjecting identified programs to 
frequent assessments, and by enhancing transparency, this bill goes a 
long way towards creating an accountable, results-oriented government.
  Before coming to Congress, I was a scientist and a businessman. In 
both science and business, data, clear metrics, and measurable goals 
guide any successful endeavor. The same should be true of the federal 
government. Whenever taxpayer dollars are spent, the American people 
deserve to know whether they're getting their money's worth. This means 
identifying which agencies are working, and which are not.
  With deficits on an unsustainable long-term course, we must have a 
mechanism in place to ferret out wasteful spending and not hesitate to 
slash underperforming programs. This bill not only puts in place that 
mechanism, but it also allows the public to participate in the process. 
Agencies will be required to consider public input on program goals and 
the criteria by which they are assessed.
  This bill is a victory for accountable government and the American 
taxpayer. Those who oppose it will say that it does not go far and fast 
enough, but they will not dispute that it is a step in the right 
direction. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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