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Government Disservice: Waste and Inefficiency in Federal Agencies Linked Directly to Congressional Dysfunction, According to New Report

September 11, 2015

Congress Deteriorates in its Role as a Steward of the Executive Branch

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, September 17, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service will release a new report that examines how congressional polarization and gridlock have diminished the ability of the executive branch to function effectively. 

“Government Disservice: Overcoming Washington Dysfunction to Improve Congressional Stewardship of the Executive Branch” highlights four critical areas where Congress—whether majority Republican or majority Democrat—has strayed from its duty and hobbled the ability of federal agencies to serve the needs of the American people.

These include a repeated failure to meet funding deadlines, creating havoc for agency operations, and long delays in confirming political appointees, resulting in significant leadership vacuum. There also has been a lack of constructive oversight of federal agencies, with the emphasis on “political theater” rather than ensuring quality government, and a failure to renew or revise programs and policies, leaving agencies in limbo and unable to create new initiatives or halt those that are ineffective. 

“The current funding fight over fiscal 2016 and looming government shutdown are the latest examples of Congress’ failure to serve as a good steward of effective government operations,” said Max Stier, president and CEO, Partnership for Public Service. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Members of the House and Senate need to understand–and care–about Congress’ contributions to waste, inefficiency and ineffectiveness in our government. And then they need to do something about it, starting with the common-sense approaches to working better together that are outlined in this report.” 

WHAT: 
“Government Disservice: Overcoming Washington Dysfunction to Improve Congressional Stewardship of the Executive Branch” report release and panel discussion

WHO: 
Moderator: Max Stier, president and CEO, Partnership for Public Service
Panelists: Tom Davis, former chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives; David J. Kappos, former Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Clarine Nardi Riddle, chief of staff, former Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, and co-founder of No Labels

WHEN:
Thursday, September 17
8:30 a.m.-Registration and continental breakfast
9:00-10:30 a.m.-Presentation and panel discussion

WHERE:
Partnership for Public Service
1100 New York Ave, NW, Suite 200 East
Washington, D.C. 20005

MEDIA: 
Lauren Cozzi

RSVP:
202-464-2692 or LCozzi@ourpublicservice.org

 

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that believes good government starts with good people. The organization works to revitalize the federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works by strengthening the civil service and the systems that support it. 

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