On Tuesday, February 28^th, 2012, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report showing 32 areas in which there was evidence of duplication, overlap, or fragmentation among federal government programs. GAO has estimated that the federal government could save "tens of billions of dollars" each year by making improvements in these areas. Additionally, the report presents 51 areas where programs may be able to achieve greater efficiencies or become more effective in providing government services.

“It never ceases to amaze me how we can all agree that our nation is on an unsustainable fiscal path, yet when common sense spending cuts and reforms are put forth they are subject to vicious demagoguery,” said Representative DesJarlais. “With a national debt of more than $15 trillion dollars, we should all be able to agree that the duplicative spending outlined in this report is inexcusable. I look forward to working with the White House and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make these very easy spending reductions.”

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, of which Rep. DesJarlais is a member, held a hearing today on the report entitled "Government 2.0: GAO Unveils New Duplicative Program Report". Comptroller General of the United States U.S. Government Accountability Office Gene L. Dodaro and Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) provided testimony.