[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1187-E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             THE SWEEP ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN C. NYE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

  Mr. NYE. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday I introduced, with my colleague 
Mr. Wilson, the Stop Waste by Eliminating Excessive Programs Act, 
otherwise known as the SWEEP act. The bill will reduce wasteful 
government spending by creating a means to review and abolish federal 
programs that are inefficient, unnecessary, or outdated.
  Back home in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore of Virginia, 
families sit around the kitchen table, forced to make tough decisions 
about their budget and where they need to trim back--it's time Congress 
acted with the same responsibility.
  We have already taken several important steps toward fiscal restraint 
and responsibility, such as voting to install statutory Pay-Go budget 
rules. Another area of spending Congress has tackled is the 
Congressional pay raise. Voted in favor of before I took office, I 
immediately took my unnecessary raise and donated it to Vetshouse, a 
local organization in my district that supports homeless veterans. In 
addition, I, joined by many of my colleagues, successfully voted to 
stop the Congressional pay raise for this year and the next. But these 
efforts are just the tip of the iceberg.
  It is clear that we need a more comprehensive approach to reducing 
the federal government footprint and my bill will do just this.
  Across the various federal agencies and bureaus, the government 
supports tens of thousands of programs. Many of which have been 
continuing for years without proper Congressional oversight or 
authorization. In effect, these programs continue to receive funding 
without proving their merit.
  What's more, without a thorough inventory, duplicative programs have 
cropped up across agency lines, wasting precious taxpayer dollars on 
activities that are being performed elsewhere.
  The SWEEP Act is a three step approach that will make sure 
inefficient, duplicative, or wasteful programs are eliminated.
  The first step is to review current funding authorizations by 
creating a bi-partisan Sunset Commission. The Commission will examine 
each and every government-funded program to determine its worth based 
on proven outcomes, cost-effectiveness, scope of interest, and whether 
a duplicative program exists.
  The second step will require the Commission to submit a report to 
Congress annually, analyzing each program reviewed. This report will 
recommend whether each program assessed should be abolished, 
consolidated, transferred, reorganized or remain untouched.
  The final step will require the Commission to submit a legislative 
proposal to Congress, which contains all programs recommended for 
reform or repeal. This legislation will be fast tracked and must 
receive an up or down vote by Congress within a month of the proposal.

[[Page E1188]]

  Our current deficits are unsustainable and, if left unchecked, will 
weaken America's standing in the world. Congress has a responsibility 
to correct these irresponsible financial practices that continue to 
undermine the long term economy and national security of America. The 
SWEEP Act is a bold step forward that will allow Congress to roll up 
its sleeves and clean house.
  I strongly urge all Members of the House to support this endeavor to 
provide legislative oversight and, program by program, rein in 
excessive government spending.

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