Congressman Young's Proposal To Reduce Waste in Government Programs Passes House

Press Release

On May 18, 2016, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Todd Young's (R-IN) amendment to reduce government waste by instituting private-sector performance standards for federal programs and projects.

"During my time in the Marine Corps, I saw firsthand the mismanagement that is prevalent throughout far too many defense programs and projects. Too often, projects come in over budget and past deadline. In this era of constrained budgets, we must stretch taxpayer dollars further. Implementing private-sector performance standards will reduce inefficiencies not only within the Department of Defense, but throughout all government agencies. The potential cost savings from such reforms are large, and I'm pleased the House approved this amendment to ensure government programs conclude on time and on budget." - Congressman Todd Young (R-IN)

Young's amendment contained the underlying program management reforms found in his Program Management Improve Accountability Act (H.R. 2144), which he introduced in the House last April of 2015. In June, the Senate companion legislation to H.R. 2144 was introduced by Senate Armed Services Committee member, Joni Ernst of Iowa. Her legislation successfully passed the Senate on November 11, 2015.

Young's amendment passed as part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which cleared the House and now awaits Senate action.

Background on H. Amdnt. #62 (previously H.R. 2144):

The federal government manages some of the largest programs and projects in the world.
The breadth of inefficiency and mismanagement in government is detailed in a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). It's estimated that managerial improvement and efficiency-improving actions could save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.
The amendment requires federal agencies, which are not responsible for earning a profit, to collaborate with the private-sector and adopt performance standards widely used by organizations that have incentive to restrain costs.
It requires agencies specifically to: adopt robust guidelines for program and project management planning and delivery; conduct portfolio reviews to address effectiveness and quality of programs, especially those identified as "high risk' by GAO; establish a 5-year strategic plan for program and project management.

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