Bill Bennett: “I had intended offered an amendment on behalf of myself and Senators Thomas and Murkowski to instruct the various…”

“I had intended offered an amendment on behalf of myself and Senators Thomas and Murkowski to instruct the various agencies of the Department of the Interior to prepare a report to the committee regarding the instances in which they have entered into InterAgency Service Agreements with other Federal agencies or into agreements with State and local governments on foreign entities. Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach agreement among members of the committee on the feasibility and scope of this amendment. I am disappointed with this development and I will not offer this amendment this evening. As the Chairman well knows, there are a number of architectural, engineering, geological mapping and even aircraft services that are contracted out by the various agencies within the Department of the Interior. I simply would like to get a sense of the impact on private engineering and consulting firms when agencies enter into agreements or contract for services within. I believe the information would have been valuable to the committee. It would help the committee recognize opportunities to save money by using the private sector more often and it will help redirect agencies toward their core governmental missions. While I will not offer this amendment, I intend to continue to pursue this information.”