Letter Supporting S. 253, Establishing the “Committee to Reduce Government Waste”

The Honorable Pat Roberts 
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mark Udall
United States Senate 
Washington, DC 20510 

The Honorable Mike Enzi
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Enzi, Senator Roberts, and Senator Udall:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, supports your legislation (S. 253) that would establish the “Committee to Reduce Government Waste.” The legislation would develop a common sense bipartisan process to promote efficient government and reduce costly waste.

There are many federal programs that do not perform up to expectations. This poor performance serves nobody well, from those intended to benefit from the programs to the taxpayers who provide the necessary funds to make the programs a reality. By having an objective process to identify the programs that are underperforming or nonessential, Congress can make better informed decisions as to which programs should be modified or eliminated.

This new legislation creating the “Committee to Reduce Government Waste” would create this much-needed process. It would improve the function of government and ensure that taxpayer dollars are wisely spent.

Such a committee would not be without precedent. In 1941, the “Byrd Committee,” named after its creator Senator Harry F. Byrd Sr. (D-VA), was established to achieve similar objectives. The Committee was extremely successful in its efforts. A similar committee would be even more valuable now as Congress seeks ways to cut unnecessary spending amid a massive federal debt.

The Chamber looks forward to working with you on this legislation and finding ways to promote better government.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten

Read the Letter: 

130208_Committee to Reduce Government Waste_Roberts_Udall_Enzi.pdf