Local

New report details government waste

A new government report on duplication and fragmentation in federal programs shows tons of overlap and waste.

There are 10 different offices at the Department of Health and Human Services running programs addressing AIDS in minority communities. Autism research is spread out over 11 different agencies. Eight agencies are looking for prisoners of war.

The report, by the non-partisan Government Accountability Office, identifies 26 new areas where federal government programs are fragmented, duplicative, overlapping or just inefficient. That on top of the 162 areas identified in past reports, and Congress has a road map for saving tens of billions of dollars a year.

Senator Tom Coburn says, "turning this ready-made list of cuts into savings is one of the best ways Congress can regain the trust and confidence of the American people." Coburn wrote the original lesgislation requiring the annual report.

The duplication reports are now in their fourth year, but Congress has been slow to act. The Obama administration has at least partly implemented 83% of GAO's recommendations, while Congress has taken up 52%, said Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. He'll testify about the GAO's findings Tuesday at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
The White House says President Obama's 2015 budget proposed cutting or consolidating 136 programs.

mobile apps

Everything you love about wokv.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!