Tom Coburn: “I also note, with the advent of modern technology and video conferencing, 90 percent of these conferences could have…”

“I also note, with the advent of modern technology and video conferencing, 90 percent of these conferences could have occurred without travel costs, without hotel costs, without face-to-face meetings. In fact, we didn't use the technology available. We spent tons of money traveling around the country holding conferences, not necessarily that were bad in their content or their intent but which were wasteful in the way they were arranged. Also, I suggest that a 400-percent increase in conferences in one area, one agency of the Federal Government, shows that either they were doing a very poor job in 2001, or it is out of control. This is a very simple, straightforward amendment. Before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck, 737,000 Americans were identified as being homeless as reported by HUD. Earlier this month, the Acting Director of FEMA told the Senate committee that between 400,000 and 600,000 displaced households in Louisiana and Mississippi alone will need long- term housing. With the problems before us today, certainly we can use the latest technology and trim back the excessive growth in conferencing that is used by the Housing and Urban Development Department. I urge the adoption of the amendment by unanimous consent.”