Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 436, the Government Waste, Fraud and Error Reduction Act of 1999. The goal of this legislation is to help reduce waste in government programs by improving Federal management of debt and collection practices, payment systems and benefit programs. Like many Kentucky taxpayers, I consider this to be a very worthy goal. This legislation would give Federal agencies additional tools to improve government efficiency and accountability. Agencies would be able to bar delinquent debtors from obtaining certain Federal benefits until the debt is repaid. Agencies would be able to use private debt collection contractors to maximize the collection of overdue nontax debts, and agencies would be required to establish programs to reduce the nontax debts held by the agency and obtain the maximum value for loan and debt assets. In addition, H.R. 436 would help the collection of child support by allowing the offset of Social Security benefits to a recipient who owes past-due support to the State. People who work hard and play by the rules should not have to pick up the tab for deadbeat dads and others who will not pay their debts. As individuals, we are expected to pay our debts. As a Nation, we expect efficiency and accountability from the agencies that have been created to serve us. It is important to give those agencies the tools to do the job that we require of them. Therefore, I urge passage of H.R. 436.”