Martin Hoke: “I rise in support of the Clinger-Spence procurement reform initiative to untangle the current mass of requirements that…”

“I rise in support of the Clinger-Spence procurement reform initiative to untangle the current mass of requirements that make up the Federal procurement system. These requirements lead simply to too much money being spent for too little product. In fact, studies show that such Government-specific mandates add a 20-percent premium to the $200 billion the Federal Government spends annually on the goods and services it needs to operate. It is particularly important during this time of declining Federal resources that we find ways to allocate our resources in a more thoughtful, meaningful and efficient manner. H.R. 1670 provides part of the solution by transforming the current complex web of rules into a more common sense approach to doing business with the Government, much like that used by worldclass commercial firms. This legislation before us represents a significant shift in the operation of our Federal procurement system to meet the needs of the American taxpayer. I wholeheartedly support this reform effort and urge my colleagues to support this measure and oppose any weakening amendments. Better Government does not mean bigger Government--it means more efficient Government. This is the message we will be sending today if we support this legislation. It is my pleasure to join with my colleagues in support of H.R. 1670, the Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1995.”