Dem. Leader Should Endorse Waste Commission Proposal

(Washington, D.C.) - Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today challenged Democratic House leader Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.) to act on his rhetoric calling for restrained federal spending and cuts in government waste as priorities in this era of war, recession, and deficits. 

"Last night, in the Democratic response to State of the Union, Rep. Gephardt made pointed remarks that government spending growth must be restrained and that federal waste must be pared back," CAGW President Tom Schatz said.  "In his speech, President Bush reiterated his long-standing commitment to that position.  In fact, Bush first outlined his proposal for a nonpartisan government waste reform commission during the 2000 campaign and again in his first budget.  Now with the economy down, new spending required, and looming deficits on the horizon, there's never been a better time for it.  If Gephardt wants to show he's not all talk when it comes to cutting waste, he should promptly join the president in establishing a government waste commission."

A roadmap for such reforms could be CAGW's annual Prime Cuts publication, which catalogues waste, fraud, duplication, abuse, and inefficiency in government.  In fiscal 2002, its 543 recommendations would save $159 billion, with no substantive alteration of government services.  Tallied over five years, these changes would save $1.27 trillion. 

The words of our leaders follow:

Republican President George W. Bush (State of the Union Address)

"To achieve these great national objectives — to win the war, protect the homeland and revitalize our economy — our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short term so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner. We have clear priorities, and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas."

Democratic House leader Rep. Dick Gephardt (Democrat Response)

"We know that real security depends not just on justice abroad, but creating good jobs at home; not just on securing our borders, but strengthening Social Security and Medicare at home; not just on bringing governments together, but creating a government here at home that lives within its means, cuts wasteful spending, and invests in the future."

"If not now, when?" Schatz added.  "Government spending reform, especially in time of crisis, is not a partisan issue.  It simply requires the guts to name names, demand accountability, and stand up to the pressure groups and special interests.  Our leaders, especially Rep. Gephardt, must decide whether they are for taxpayers or the Washington waste status quo." 

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