Thank you very much Madam Chairman. I join you in welcoming our nominee today.
At the nomination hearing of OMB Director Bolten last month, I noted that it is a President's prerogative to implement management proposals such as the President's Management Agenda. We must ensure, however, that these management proposals are an improvement.
The success of any management policy requires recruiting and retaining the right people with the right skills. OMB should foster government's ability to retain current federal workers and attract those considering federal service. I am concerned that the administration's contracting out policies may do just the opposite. Just last week, I participated in two hearings which raised concerns over the costs of implementing the administration's competitive sourcing initiative.
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, I believe that the cost of conducting public private competitions may have serious consequences for visitor services and seasonal operations. But, the Parks Service is not alone. Government wide, managers are working to find creative ways to implement the administration's contracting out policies. In fact, there is currently no reliable estimate of the government wide cost of the administration's outsourcing proposals.
I believe the administration can do more to promote an employee-friendly work environment. Management proposals should be discussed with federal employees, not handed down as orders. There have been actions that have sparked alarm and distrust among federal employees who are concerned for their jobs. We should respect and value the government's most critical asset - its workforce.
Mr. Kaplan, if you are confirmed as Deputy Director of OMB, I look forward to working with you to ensure that federal agencies have adequate resources and personnel to fulfill their missions. I hope you will make it your priority that sufficient resources are made available to agencies to enhance the government's efforts to recruit, retain, and manage the federal workforce.
Mr. Kaplan, I look forward to your testimony.
