Alan Simpson: “I understand the desire for an efficient and effective Federal Government with an appropriately sized workforce. In…”

“I understand the desire for an efficient and effective Federal Government with an appropriately sized workforce. In fact, if the gentleman has specific programs or offices that he believes are currently overstaffed, I would be happy to work with him to see if that is the case and to figure out a way to address any problems we may find; but this amendment doesn't look at specific details and make targeted reductions. It requires the Department of Energy to furlough 5 percent of its employees on October 1. It doesn't allow the Department time to review whether it might need more people to carry out its national security responsibilities, for instance, or fewer people to carry out other programs whose work is ramping down or is being reduced by this bill. That is not good government. That is putting almost 800 people across the country out of work for no good reason. The underlying bill, on the other hand, includes reasonable and targeted reductions to funding levels for the Department's administrative accounts. The departmental administration account was $36 million below the President's budget request in the bill that was brought to the floor, and amendments already passed by the House have resulted in further cuts to the departmental administration. Federal salaries and expenses for the National Nuclear Security Administration are $30 million below the President's request. The funding levels in this bill send a clear message about growth in the Federal workforce.…”