Mike Thompson: “I am pleased to support the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999. As a strong believer in our…”

“I am pleased to support the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999. As a strong believer in our federalist system of government, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which will cut red tape and waste in Federal grant and other assistance programs that impact State and local government, as well as nonprofit organizations. It is fitting that my good friend from Ohio, George Voinovich, is now providing leadership on this effort in the Senate. As a governor and Chairman of the National Governors' Association, George Voinovich strongly supported this bill from outside Congress. While we reported the bill out of the Governmental Affairs Committee and passed it through the Senate last year, unfortunately it did not become law. It's time to get the job done. This legislation will improve the performance of Federal grant and other assistance programs by streamlining their application, administration, and reporting requirements for grant recipients--including State, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations.”