[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EMPHASIZING IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2014

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of 
investing in evidence-based programs with proven track records.
  As we work to invest our tax dollars in the most efficient manner 
possible, we need to know which government programs work, which do not, 
and which could be improved. The Appropriations bill provides a set 
aside of 0.5% for program evaluations for both the Department of Labor 
and certain Education programs.
  It has recently been brought to my attention, how the moneyball 
approach to government could help in our spending decisions. We all 
have heard about Billy Bean and how he used evidence and data to 
assemble his winning team.
  We in Congress can use this same model by examining best practices 
and evaluating Federal programs.
  ``Investing in What Works'' is not a partisan issue. This practice 
dates back to Presidents Clinton and Bush and continues today with 
President Obama.
  Many of you have heard me speak about my disdain for these austere 
budget times and how we are forced to look at every available avenue to 
do more with less. Conducting program evaluations and investing in what 
works can help improve outcomes for children, families and communities 
across this nation.

                          ____________________