A Progress Report on Closing Unneeded and Obsolete Federal Agencies

Publication Date: September 2002

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Ronald D. Utt

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Government reform

Type: Report

Abstract:

When the new Congress took charge in January 1995, the House and Senate leadership promised fundamental overhaul of the federal government. Included among the many proposed reforms was the closing or consolidation of redundant and obsolete government agencies. The most visible manifestation of this effort was the call by House freshmen to shut down the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Energy, and Education. Although this initiative was associated most closely with the more junior members of both houses, the goal of streamlining government by terminating programs and closing agencies also was embraced by the leadership, with Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole (R-KS) endorsing the Senate freshmen's plan to close four departments.