Political Quotes

“Tonight I offer an amendment which would strike provision 6 of section 505 of the legislation, which would impose a moratorium on contracting out activities currently performed by Federal employees. These challenging economic times require Congress to not only reassess the size and scope of the Federal Government, but I think it's important to make better stewardship of taxpayer dollars and to give the government an opportunity to get the best dollar for and on behalf of the American taxpayer. Legislative provisions that prohibit or otherwise interfere with contracting out or in-sourcing are counterproductive to reducing spending, limiting the size of government, and creating private sector jobs. My amendment to strike this provision, which I am proud to offer with Congressman Justin Amash of Michigan, does not affect inherently governmental activities. It allows only for increased private contracting. Mr. Chairman, the Heritage Foundation has reported that subjecting Federal employee positions which are commercial in nature to a private- public cost comparison would generate, on average, a 30 percent cost savings, regardless of who wins that competition. Rather than preventing market competition that would improve service and lower costs, we should be encouraging Agencies to find the best way to deliver services to citizens of this great Nation. This is exactly what this amendment does. Our Nation's unemployment rate stands at 8.1 percent.…”