Mark R. Warner

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement tonight:

"I was pleased the President began his speech with a strong call for a bipartisan grand bargain to continue to address our deficits and debt.

A balanced plan that includes additional revenue, smarter spending cuts and responsible entitlement reform -- and avoids the self-inflcted wounds from sequester -- is a key component of any economic growth agenda.

The President also endorsed a proposal I unveiled last week to work to double our nation's energy productivity by 2030, and I look forward to helping to lead the effort to make smart investments to rebuild our nation's infrastructure.

We will have many opportunities in the weeks and months ahead to work together to strengthen the economic recovery and move our country forward."

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve and expand federal fiscal accountability.  The legislation requires more standardized reporting of federal spending posted to a single website, allowing citizens and agencies to more easily identify improper payments, waste and fraud.  The Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA), first introduced by Sen. Warner in June 2011 and reintroduced today in a revised form with Sen. Portman as chief co-sponsor, is a Senate companion to legislation introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Chairman Issa’s legislation passed the House in April. 

The DATA Act requires the development of government-wide financial data standards to make it easier to compare federal spending across federal agencies. It also requires that the standardized data be analyzed to prevent waste, fraud, abuse and improper payments. In addition, the DATA Act takes steps to simplify financial reporting and improve the quality of the spending data, and it requires that the information be posted on USASpending.gov website, which initially was developed when Sen. Portman served as director of U.S. Office of Management & Budget in 2006-07.

“This legislation will allow us to track the full cycle of federal spending on one website, and that should be incredibly helpful to both taxpayers and policy makers,” Sen. Warner said. “The DATA Act creates a powerful new tool that should improve the way the federal government does business. This legislation is an example of how Washington is supposed to work -- across the aisle and on both sides of the Capitol.”

“At a time when the government is running trillion-dollar deficits on top of a record $16 trillion debt, Washington should be doing all it can to track how taxpayer dollars are spent.  Better visibility and public disclosure of our government’s $3 trillion in yearly spending is critical to identifying and eliminating waste,” Sen. Portman said.  “Our bill would reform and significantly improve USASpending.gov by strengthening federal financial transparency, empowering taxpayers to see how their money is spent, and providing a better tool for eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.”  

“With Congress preparing to make momentous decisions about the federal budget, it’s more important than ever that the public have clear information about government spending,” said Katherine McFate, President and CEO of OMB Watch, a nonprofit government transparency and accountability watchdog organization. “The DATA Act will provide an unprecedented level of transparency and create critical new tools to track and analyze federal spending and hold officials accountable for their decisions.”

A summary of The DATA Act can be read here, and the legislation can be accessed here. 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), chairman of the Senate Budget Committee’s bipartisan Task Force on Government Performance, issued this statement following today’s release of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) 2012 Annual Report on Opportunities to Reduce Duplication, Overlap and Fragmentation, Achieve Savings and Enhance Revenue.  The report outlined specific areas of program overlap, and also updated the status of efforts to act on recommendations from last year’s GAO report: 

“We are reaching a point where GAO reports on government duplication and redundancy are becoming duplicative and redundant. The 2011 report made more than 80 specific recommendations to reduce overlap and duplication, but we have implemented only four of those recommendations so far. This is extremely disappointing because there is nothing inherently partisan about smarter, more efficient government.

“Now we have a new report that indicates the Department of Justice issues more than 11,000 grants each year, and it apparently does not review grant requests across its internal silos to make sure we are not funding the same investment multiple times. This new GAO report also finds 13 different agencies which fund more than 200 different science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs, and more than 80% of those programs overlap. The President’s FY 2013 budget calls for the elimination of 33 of the overlapping STEM programs, and that’s a good start: Congress should adopt his recommendation.

“That’s why I’m sponsoring the Reforming and Consolidating Government Act of 2012. This bill will restore the President’s authority to send specific cost-cutting proposals to Congress for our expedited consideration. As a former business CEO and Governor, I had the authority and responsibility to identify and eliminate duplication and waste. The President should have it, too. Even in an election year, the Senate should be able to do its job and work in a bipartisan way with the Administration to demand smarter, more efficient and less expensive programs and services.”

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Senator Warner announced today in a speech on the Senate floor that he will be voting against the payroll tax cut deal conference report.

A full transcript of the speech and link to video are below.

Transcript: Mr. Warner: Mr. President, let me rise today to speak about the conference report that it appears we'll be voting on tomorrow regarding the issues of the payroll tax, unemployment benefits and the so-called doc fix.

And let me first of all acknowledge, Mr. President, that I know that many of my colleagues have worked long hours on the payroll tax deal that was apparently reached late last night. I have been briefed on pieces of this deal, and I've also seen many of the press reports that have described this deal as a new sign of bipartisanship. As a new member of the Senate, I know, like the presiding officer, we believe that we do our best work here in Congress comes when we can have bipartisan solutions, when we can find ways to reach common ground.

All these factors make it doubly difficult for me to now rise and say that I will be voting against the conference report when it comes to the floor of this body tomorrow.

Now, let me acknowledge on the front end that I think there are worthy reasons that in this recovering economy we've got right now, it makes some sense to maintain in some form the so-called payroll tax holiday for a limited period of time. I know and the presiding officer feels that one of the most important issues that our country confronts right now, I would say the most important issue, and the one that is an overhang on everything else we debate here is our inability to come to grips with our debt and deficit. I know as we try to nurture this growing recovery, that one of the ways we take on that debt and deficit is by having a growing economy.

But I also believe that it is terribly important that we show progress on this issue. The national debt now exceeds $15 trillion. Every day that we fail to act we add $4 billion to that total. None of this becomes self-correcting. It will not correct itself until and unless we act. And I for one believe that there is no action that this body could take that would be more stimulative to our economy, that would be a better jobs program, that would do more to restore the trust of the business community and the public, than when we show bipartisan collaboration and cooperation on a long-term debt and deficit deal.

So let me share with my colleagues the five reasons why I will be voting against the conference report tomorrow.

First and foremost, the payroll tax cut that's been proposed isn't being paid for. It will add $100 billion to the debt.

Second, the compromise that has been put together, I think, turns some of our traditional policies on their head. By taking this action, we're saying that tax cuts somehow don't have to be paid for. We're advancing a policy that I believe will come back to haunt us later this year when the Bush tax cuts expire.

As a matter of fact, while I have only been a member of this body for three years, I know it has been tradition that in moments of economic crisis that the Congress will sometimes extend unemployment benefits, particularly for those states that have been hardest hit. And in those moments of crisis, the unemployment benefits sometimes go unpaid for. In this compromise, in this conference report, we turn that policy on its head and there is a requirement to pay for the extension of unemployment benefits but no requirement to pay for the $100 billion of additional debt taken on by the payroll tax holiday.

You know, in this body we've had debates about debt and deficit and economics. We've discussed the economic theories of a whole host of thinkers and economists: John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman, Paul Krugman. Somehow, I feel like this conference report that we'll be voting on tomorrow may reflect the thinking of a more obscure individual, someone that I recall as a child growing up: that is Wimpy, a cartoon character, Popeye’s hungry pal. Wimpy used to always say “I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

Well, it seems on this economic policy we're taking today, deferring payment for this payroll tax policy, that Wimpy once again has won out.

Let me cite the third reason why I'll be voting against the conference report tomorrow. As I acknowledged at the beginning of my comments, I believe extension of the payroll tax holiday makes sense in this recovery, but it just needs to be paid for.

So I could have very easily supported a number of the proposals put forward, including a 1% increase in taxes on those of us who make more than $1 million a year. A defined benefit with a defined pay-for. If we couldn't breach the gap on that, I could have looked at means testing the payroll tax holiday.

If we're trying to make sure that these dollars get into the economy as quickly as possible over this coming year, then clearly a payroll tax holiday for folks who make less than $150,000 a year or $250,000 a year or $500,000 a year or $1 million or less a year -- it didn't make sense to say that regardless of what your income. This payroll tax holiday going to folks like me is not going to have a stimulative effect. I don't think economic theory bears that out.

If we paid for this or put some restraints on it, I would have been happy to support this conference report.

The fourth reason why I can't support the conference report is because I am concerned that this payroll tax holiday, which goes into the Social Security Trust Fund, is supposed to end at the end of this year. But we put no metrics on that, and it scares me that we will approach the end of the year and there will be some other reason why it needs to be extended again.

If we put in place a requirement that would have said this payroll tax holiday would start to ratchet back if we continue to see growth in the economy, perhaps ratchet back a third if we see GDP growth for the next three months or unemployment growth, ratchet back another third, ratchet back another third, so we don't have the cliff effect that is being proposed at the end of the year -- again, a cliff effect that will come at the same time as the end of the Bush tax cuts, the proverbial train wreck that's already being talked about…

So while I believe that this payroll tax holiday is important, the price, the fact that we aren't paying for it, the fact we put no restrictions or parameters around it and the fact that there’s no guarantee that it will actually expire, are reasons why I'll be voting "no."

Let me raise one other concern I have about the conference report. This is one more example of, particularly our colleagues in the House, saying the first place they go for any pay-for for any project seems to be our federal workers.

The same federal workers, two million strong, who keep our streets safe, make sure we get those Social Security checks, try to take out terrorist drug dealers -- you name it. The same federal workers who have had their pay frozen for the last two years, who have had to endure the prospects of two or three potential government shutdowns over the last year and a half. To say to this group that we're going to come back to the well, time and time again, I don't think is fair or right. As someone who's looked at the federal pay and benefits, when we get to that issue of a comprehensive tax reform, entitlement reform, big deficit deal, all these items need to be reviewed. But the notion that the first place to come back to for any pay-for is our federal employees, to me, doesn't seem fair, nor does it seem right.

For these five reasons, I will reluctantly be voting against the conference report tomorrow. I believe it was in the context of the debt and deficit particularly, it was Will Rogers who said when you find yourself in a hole and you want to get out, stop digging.

Well, in some small way by voting "no" tomorrow, I hope I'll send the signal that I and I hope others will join me and stop digging.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on the U.S. Navy budget priorities announced today by the Department of Defense.

“The Pentagon is making difficult but responsible choices as military planners work to cut a half-trillion dollars in defense spending.

Due to the consistent, coordinated and bipartisan efforts of Virginia’s congressional delegation, and our strong partnership with state and local officials, the Navy has made the correct decision by committing to maintain the current number of carriers in Norfolk through the year 2020. I also am very pleased to see commitments that allow us to maintain the unique construction and refueling capacity Virginia currently provides for the Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers and submarines.

There will be some modest shifts in personnel and in the total number of ships at the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. However, overall, the Navy plans to retain 111,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel in Hampton Roads through 2020, which is only 3,000 fewer personnel than the current level.

The Commonwealth’s historic and strong partnership with our nation’s military, and our men and women who serve it, has been built and maintained over generations.

Today’s news from the Pentagon will strengthen this partnership moving forward.”

A coalition of 45 Senators and 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives gathered today to urge the debt supercommittee to “go big” in addressing America’s $14.5 trillion national debt. Senator Warner, a cofounder of the original “Gang of Six” deficit reduction effort, helped to organize the bipartisan, bicameral group. The supercommittee has less than one week remaining before its deadline, after which automatic cuts will be enacted.

“This debt and deficit debate has become like a proxy for whether our democratic institutions are up to the job in the 21st century,” said Senator Warner at the event.

Today’s coalition builds on September’s gathering of more than a third of the Senate to push for comprehensive deficit reduction. Following that event, more than 45 Senators - 23 Republicans, 21 Democrats and one Independent - agreed to the following statement of principles:

“As a bipartisan group of Senators, we will encourage and support the Super Committee in fulfilling its mission. We are here to support a deficit reduction package consistent with the following principles that should:

• Include enough deficit reduction to stabilize the debt as a share of the economy, and put the debt on a downward path, and provide fiscal certainty. We believe a reasonable target is at least $4 trillion, including previously enacted deficit measures. This will send the right message to the financial markets.
• Use the established, bipartisan debt and deficit reduction frameworks as a starting point for discussions.
• Focus on the major parts of the budget and include long-term entitlement reforms and pro-growth tax reform.
• Be structured to grow the economy in the short, medium and long-term.
• Work to include the American public and the business community in a broader discussion about the breadth of the issues, challenges and opportunities facing us.”

Senator Warner, a leader in bipartisan Senate efforts to craft a comprehensive plan to reduce budget deficits and the national debt, added a clock to the homepage of his Senate website today that allows constituents to view the escalating national debt in real time.

Senator Warner, the fifth U.S. Senator and the only Senate Democrat to take this action, said the debt clock serves as a reminder of the need to tackle our deficits and debt in a fiscally responsible way. “The United States is borrowing at least forty cents of every dollar that we spend. Everyone knows that simply is not sustainable,” Senator Warner said. “The debt clock on my homepage serves as a reminder that we do not have time to waste in partisan gamesmanship. We have to work together in a responsible and bipartisan way to cut spending, simplify the tax code and strengthen and reform our entitlement programs.”

For the past year, Senator Warner has partnered with Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) in a bipartisan effort to address deficit and debt issues. Last December, their efforts expanded to include U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) in a bipartisan initiative that came to be known as “The Gang of Six.” While Sen. Coburn recently announced he was taking a break from the effort, the remaining five Senators continue to work on the final details of a bipartisan plan that will reduce the national debt by at least $4 trillion over the next ten years.

In a column in Friday’s Washington Post, the bipartisan co-chairs of the National Fiscal Commission, former GOP Sen. Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, described the Warner-Chambliss effort as the most significant, serious and truly bipartisan effort underway in Washington today to tame the deficit and debt.

“Every day that we fail to act, our national debt – the running tally of what the United States government owes -- increases by an average $5 billion. It is clear we cannot continue postponing the inevitable hard choices,” Senator Warner said. “I remain hopeful that our bipartisan discussions will result in a responsible way forward to get our balance sheet in order and reposition our nation to better compete in this global economy.”  

Senator Warner (D-VA), a member of a group of six Senators who have been working toward a bipartisan solution to the nation’s deficits and debt, released this statement following the President’s speech today:

“The only way we will move past partisanship and gridlock to solve our nation’s fiscal challenges is to leave our partisan hats behind and work in good faith to craft a responsible agreement. I still believe we must put everything on the table: spending cuts, including defense, entitlement reform, including strengthening Social Security, and tax reform.

“That's how we will put our economy on a more fiscally responsible path that leads to economic growth and greater global competitiveness.

"I commend the spirit of the President’s message today, and I will continue to work with our bipartisan group of Senators to find solutions to these difficult issues.”

Photo credit: Wikipedia user Lipton sale

Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Webb (D-VA) filed legislation today that would ensure that federal workers receive retroactive pay for the duration of a potential government shutdown. Currently, federal pay is suspended in the event of a funding lapse or government shutdown, and retroactive payment for “non-essential” and “essential” employees must be specifically approved by Congress.

“Federal employees, including up to 90% of the civilian workforce at the Pentagon and thousands of other federal employees across Virginia, could be sent home without pay during any government shutdown,” Senator Warner said. “These employees provide critical support for our ongoing military operations, including humanitarian relief in Japan, and they should not be penalized for Congress’ inability to resolve our political and policy differences with a short-term spending bill.”

“Federal employees who were furloughed through no fault of their own should be paid,” said Senator Mikulski. “Dedicated civil servants should not be scapegoats for the decisions of politicians. They should be paid retroactively and I believe they should be paid in a timely way. I oppose this Tea Party shutdown. I am for cuts. I have reformed spending. I have initiated cuts. I believe we need a more frugal, efficient federal government. But it can't be done through serial CRs on the back of federal employees.”

“Marylanders who work for the federal government do not deserve to be locked out of their jobs and lose pay because lawmakers cannot agree on a budget,” said Senator Cardin. “These are real people with families who are hurting and a shutdown is not of their making. I want to make sure they are not penalized by the inability of Congress to pass a budget.”

“Individuals who dedicate their lives to public service should not have their livelihoods threatened due to Congress’ failure to execute its core function of funding the government,” said Senator Webb. “For that reason, as a matter of fairness, this legislation will ensure that federal workers are compensated for any wages lost if the government is forced to shut down.”

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), chairman of the Senate Budget Committee's bipartisan Task Force on Government Performance, convened a hearing today on duplicative and inefficient federal programs that included testimony from GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Center for American Progress president and former Clinton White House chief of staff John Podesta, and former Bush Administration Associate OMB Director Robert Shea. Video and other materials from today’s hearing are available here. 

On Jan. 4, 2011, the President signed into law the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010, of which Sen. Warner was a lead sponsor. GPRA requires each federal agency to identify their top priorities, publicly report program results, and identify ineffective and overlapping federal programs for possible consolidation or elimination.  

“This Task Force has been focused on these issues for over a year, and the legislation we passed last year will provide much needed new information to address the overlap and duplication,” said Sen. Warner. “This new law upgrades and modernizes our existing framework in important ways, and now we’ve got to make sure we get the implementation right.”

A March 1, 2011, GAO report on program overlap and duplication further highlighted the need for GPRA, a point that GAO’s Dodaro emphasized in his testimony on Wednesday.

“Addressing [our] fiscal challenges will require action on several fronts,” Dodaro said. “All federal programs and activities – discretionary programs, mandatory spending, revenues and tax expenditures – need to be reexamined. Second, program structures that are outmoded, overlapping, duplicative, fragmented, and not up to the challenges of the times must be reformed or restructured…. Moving forward, the GPRA Modernization Act can offer opportunities to help make tough choices in setting priorities as well as reforming programs and management practices to better link resources to results.”

“Government reform efforts fail when Congress is not invested and we lose focus. That’s why your leadership and the work of this task force are so important, and that’s why the passage of  the GPRA Modernization Act is so significant,” said Podesta, of CAP. “Congress and the executive branch will have to make smart decisions about where to make cuts so that we continue to see growth and job creation while bringing down our long-term deficits. This requires … a scalpel, not a hatchet.”

“Like the performance management initiatives before them, the GPRA Modernization Act is an important milestone in our never-ending quest to make government more efficient and effective,” testified Robert Shea, principal with Grant Thornton and a former Office of Management and Budget associate director who led the Bush Administration’s government performance initiative. “Assigning accountability for improved performance and outlining transparency requirements can go a long way toward improving program success.  Without active, persistent oversight from Congress and the executive branch, progress will be sporadic and fleeting.  Without strong and experienced leaders, progress may be limited, if not impossible.”

In addition to Sen. Warner, members of the Task Force on Government Performance include Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and John Thune (R-SD). Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) serve as ex officio members.

Senator Warner, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee's bipartisan Task Force on Government Performance, convened a hearing today on duplicative and inefficient federal programs that included testimony from GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Center for American Progress president and former Clinton White House chief of staff John Podesta, and former Bush Administration Associate OMB Director Robert Shea. Video and other materials from today’s hearing are available here. 

More photos are available at our Flickr site.

On Jan. 4, 2011, the President signed into law the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010, of which Sen. Warner was a lead sponsor. GPRA requires each federal agency to identify their top priorities, publicly report program results, and identify ineffective and overlapping federal programs for possible consolidation or elimination.  

“This Task Force has been focused on these issues for over a year, and the legislation we passed last year will provide much needed new information to address the overlap and duplication,” said Sen. Warner. “This new law upgrades and modernizes our existing framework in important ways, and now we’ve got to make sure we get the implementation right.”

A March 1, 2011, GAO report on program overlap and duplication further highlighted the need for GPRA, a point that GAO’s Dodaro emphasized in his testimony on Wednesday.

“Addressing [our] fiscal challenges will require action on several fronts,” Dodaro said. “All federal programs and activities – discretionary programs, mandatory spending, revenues and tax expenditures – need to be reexamined. Second, program structures that are outmoded, overlapping, duplicative, fragmented, and not up to the challenges of the times must be reformed or restructured…. Moving forward, the GPRA Modernization Act can offer opportunities to help make tough choices in setting priorities as well as reforming programs and management practices to better link resources to results.”

“Government reform efforts fail when Congress is not invested and we lose focus. That’s why your leadership and the work of this task force are so important, and that’s why the passage of  the GPRA Modernization Act is so significant,” said Podesta, of CAP. “Congress and the executive branch will have to make smart decisions about where to make cuts so that we continue to see growth and job creation while bringing down our long-term deficits. This requires … a scalpel, not a hatchet.”

“Like the performance management initiatives before them, the GPRA Modernization Act is an important milestone in our never-ending quest to make government more efficient and effective,” testified Robert Shea, principal with Grant Thornton and a former Office of Management and Budget associate director who led the Bush Administration’s government performance initiative. “Assigning accountability for improved performance and outlining transparency requirements can go a long way toward improving program success.  Without active, persistent oversight from Congress and the executive branch, progress will be sporadic and fleeting.  Without strong and experienced leaders, progress may be limited, if not impossible.”

In addition to Sen. Warner, members of the Task Force on Government Performance include Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and John Thune (R-SD). Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) serve as ex officio members.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner issued the following statement today on President Obama’s budget:

“The President’s budget shows a willingness to cut spending on programs he cares about. It also demonstrates there is only so much that can be achieved in a one-year budget when the problem is a significant, long-term structural imbalance in our country’s budget.

“That’s why I am continuing to work with a bipartisan coalition of senators who are willing to step-up to tackle our budget deficit and debt challenges. Every day that we delay making these tough choices, we add an average of $4 billion to the national debt.

“This problem cannot be solved simply by focusing on cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, which is only 12% of the budget. Increased revenues and economic growth by themselves will not get us there, either. That's why we must have a grown-up discussion about spending cuts, tax reform, and necessary changes to entitlement programs, including Social Security and Medicare.

“This is the only way we will put our nation back on a responsible fiscal path that allows us to be competitive as we move forward.”

Photo credit: AP

Senator Warner issued the following statement today on President Obama’s budget:

“The President’s budget shows a willingness to cut spending on programs he cares about. It also demonstrates there is only so much that can be achieved in a one-year budget when the problem is a significant, long-term structural imbalance in our country’s budget.

“That’s why I am continuing to work with a bipartisan coalition of senators who are willing to step-up to tackle our budget deficit and debt challenges. Every day that we delay making these tough choices, we add an average of $4 billion to the national debt.

“This problem cannot be solved simply by focusing on cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, which is only 12% of the budget. Increased revenues and economic growth by themselves will not get us there, either. That's why we must have a grown-up discussion about spending cuts, tax reform, and necessary changes to entitlement programs, including Social Security and Medicare.

“This is the only way we will put our nation back on a responsible fiscal path that allows us to be competitive as we move forward.”

Senator Warner’s bipartisan legislation to make government work better by requiring every federal agency to set clear performance goals that can be accurately measured and publicly reported to Congress and taxpayers was approved by a key Senate committee today. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee passed The Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 this morning. 

The legislation establishes a clear framework to identify overlapping federal programs, and requires more focused efforts to identify potential taxpayer savings.  This proposal, the first significant update of The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993, is co-sponsored by Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE), Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME) and George Voinovich (R-OH).

"It's time to move beyond the debate over 'big' versus 'smaller' government to focus instead on real action we can take now to provide a much more efficient and effective government," Senator Warner said.  "This proposal will require federal agencies to set clear goals, measure their results and publicly report on their findings. Our citizens - our customers -- deserve to have regular reports about how their government is performing.”

The Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRMA) requires each agency to designate a Chief Operating Officer and a Performance Improvement Officer, with the primary responsibility for pursuing cost-savings through the improved analysis and coordination of duplicative programs. These officials also would be held responsible for considering potential taxpayer savings through better coordination of administrative functions common to every agency, such as purchasing and human resources. 

The Warner legislation requires federal agencies to post performance data on a single public website, on a quarterly rather than a yearly schedule. It also sets an ambitious first-year goal of an overall 10-percent reduction in the cumulative number of little-used or outdated written reports mandated by previous Administrations and Congresses.  

"The Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 will encourage federal agencies to put away the stacks of reports that no one reads and actually start to think how we can improve the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of our government," said Senator Tom Carper.  "While the strength of our democracy rests on the ability of our government to effectively serve the people, we in Congress have a responsibility to be judicious stewards of the resources taxpayers invest in America, and ensure those resources are managed honestly, transparently and effectively.  I thank my colleagues for sponsoring the legislation, particularly Senator Warner for his tremendous work in this area.”  

Senator Warner’s legislation broadens and accelerates current Office of Management and Budget reform efforts and builds upon H.R. 2142, which was endorsed by the House of Representatives in mid-June.   

"The Government Performance and Results Act established a firm foundation for government performance and accountability. Implementation of the law over the past 17 years, however, has proven that additional upgrades are necessary to help improve more effective oversight of taxpayer dollars," said Senator Susan Collins. "The changes being considered will bolster both the spirit and the strength of the law by requiring government-wide strategic planning, transparency, and measurable goals. The ultimate winner here is the American taxpayer."

Senator Warner currently serves as chairman of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Budget Committee’s Task Force on Government Performance. From 2002 to 2006, he served as Governor of Virginia during its worst economic recession in 20 years, and he worked in a bipartisan way to make Virginia state government more effective, efficient and affordable. When Governor Warner left office in January 2006, Virginia was nationally recognized as the country’s “best-managed state” and the “best state for business.”

UPDATE: Click here to hear audio from an interview Senator Warner did with Tom Temin of Federal Drive on Federal News Radio about the GPRMA. 

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs today passed S. 1619, the Livable Communities Act, which included two important amendments proposed by Senator Warner. The bill represents a coordinated effort of the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to better plan for future community growth while encouraging affordable housing, more accessible transit options and reduced energy use.

Through competitive planning and implementation grants, the legislation will assist communities in promoting sustainable development, cutting traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, protecting farmland, spurring economic development and creating more affordable housing while also reducing long-term costs of unplanned expansion in our communities. The bill also includes important provisions that will allow rural communities to plan for growth and implement sustainable development plans.

As a member of the Banking Committee, Senator Warner was involved in shaping the legislation. He successfully amended the bill to include a review across federal programs for duplication on sustainable development programs and to develop common performance measures. Tracking performance and developing ways to measure the progress in achieving the goals of the legislation will improve accountability in transit oriented development efforts and will help guide us as we work to improve the effectiveness of these programs in the future. Senator Warner also teamed with Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado in amending the bill to establish a credit facility that will offer direct loans and loan guarantees to help local communities in funding transit oriented development projects. With significant upfront costs and long-term lending periods that make it hard for local communities to get financing, the credit facility will help communities, as well as public-private partnerships, meet the funding gaps that infrastructure projects currently face.

Having successfully passed out of the Senate Banking Committee, the Livable Communities Act now awaits consideration by the full Senate.