Political Quotes

“I rise in support of amendment No. 1473. Senator Coburn and I have introduced this critical amendment to curb Congressional temptations to create more programs, laws and regulations, without first analyzing what already exists. Senator Hatch and I have also introduced legislation to create an official ``Unauthorizing Committee'' that would reinstitute a committee in Congress to rid our government of outdated and ineffective laws. In the next few weeks, the GAO will release a report showing the extent of the wasteful and duplicative programs in the federal government. It shows that too often Congress focuses on creating new programs and regulations while neglecting our important role of overseeing and reforming existing laws. Our amendment would require that any new bill that is reported from committee contain an analysis from the Congressional Research Service determining if the bill creates any new federal program, office, or initiative that would overlap existing programs. Opponents worry that this amendment will slow the legislative process, but I believe that we must first pursue informed legislating and efficient government. Senator Coburn and I don't always agree on the reach of government and the investments we ought to make, but we agree that our government ought to be smart, it ought to be efficient, and we shouldn't have duplication. This amendment would see us to that goal. Sixty-three of us voted for this amendment last year.…”