(Washington, D.C.) The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) applauded House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle (R-Iowa) and congressional committee chairs for identifying $85 to $100 billion over 10 years in waste, fraud, and abuse.  At Rep. Nussle’s insistence, the fiscal 2004 budget resolution included instructions for each committee chairman to find at least one percent of savings in mandatory spending within their jurisdiction.

“This is a good first step to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “The findings also indicate that there is much more work to be done.  With a $480 billion deficit, more of an effort needs to be made by Congress to reduce wasteful and unnecessary spending.”

Despite the proposed savings in the committee reports, the results are somewhat misleading.  Three committees: Armed Service, Resources, and Science, failed to provide reports.  While some of the biggest savings identified are in the Medicare program, Congress has already included many of those suggestions in the Medicare prescription drug bill currently in conference committee.

“All committee chairmen should take this effort to reduce wasteful spending seriously,” Schatz continued.  “During a time of war and an increasing deficit, it is even more imperative that Congress focus on reducing spending.”

CCAGW’s primary mission is the reduction of waste in the federal budget.  Founded in 1984, CCAGW is the legacy of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, also known as the Grace Commission.  In 1982, President Reagan directed the Grace Commission to “work like tireless bloodhounds to root out government inefficiency and waste of tax dollars.”  For two years, 161 corporate executives and community leaders led an army of 2,000 volunteers on a waste hunt through the federal government. The search was funded entirely by voluntary contributions of $76 million from the private sector; it cost taxpayers nothing. The Grace Commission made 2,478 recommendations which, if implemented, would save $424.4 billion over three years, an average of $141.5 billion a year all without eliminating essential services.

“Chairman Nussle has shown exemplary leadership in identifying waste.  Now, more than ever, it is important that Congress take the next step to eliminate the waste,” Schatz concluded.  “Hopefully, all committee recommendations will be incorporated into the fiscal 2005 budget and we will be one step closer to fiscal responsibility.”

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.