Rod Grams: “I introduce legislation aimed at improving government as we know it. The Department of Energy Abolishment Act of 1997…”

“I introduce legislation aimed at improving government as we know it. The Department of Energy Abolishment Act of 1997 comes after nearly two decades of debate. The basic question has always remained the same: Why should we expend taxpayer dollars on this Cabinet-level agency? And today, we ask the same question. Following a year's worth of discussions on the blueprint I am putting forth, much progress has been made. When the 104th Congress began to tackle this issue, we looked at three main issues. First, we examined the fact that the Department of Energy no longer has a mission--which is clearly reflected by the fact that nearly 85 percent of its budget is expended upon nonenergy programs. Next, we studied those programs charged to the DOE and reviewed its ability to meet the related job requirements. And finally, we looked at the DOE's bloated budget in light of the first two criterion--determining whether the taxpayers should be forced to expend over $16 billion annually on this hodge-podge collection. Nearly a year later, this Nation continues to grow increasingly dependent upon foreign oil--in total contrast to the DOE's core mission. Even in light of this administration's focus on alternative energy, the DOE expends less than one-fifth of its budget on energy-related programs. And after examining key DOE mission programs, such as the Civilian Nuclear Waste program, it is clear that the goals of those missions are not being met.”