Novel idea: Let’s shrink government

Congressman Jason Chaffetz ran on a platform that included fiscal discipline, limited government and accountability. He has been back in DC making his mark by thinking outside the box and pushing forward new ideas. The newly formed “Sunset Caucus” is a prime example. Officially listed as a co-sponsor, it is clear to anyone who has been around Chaffetz very long that this group is his baby.  Shrinking government by getting rid of obsolete programs that are no longer necessary?  Shine the light of accountability into corners that haven’t been looked at for years?   Lead out on a new way of doing things and get others to follow?  Quintessential Jason Chaffetz.

The caucus has over 40 members dedicated to disproving Ronald Reagan’s statement: “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”  Each member of the caucus has committed to taking at least one federal program that has outlived its usefulness and work towards unfunding it and getting it off the books.

Congressman Chaffetz is starting with three programs: One is a $28 million annual subsidy for mohair, the fabric made from yarn made from Angora goats. Mohair subsidies were originally authorized to hold down the cost of military uniforms, but the military has not used mohair in uniforms since the Korean War.

Then, there is the $30 million spent annually on the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, established in 1963 to help states and local governments acquire new land and make improvements in their parks – not an appropriate role for the federal government.

Finally, Chaffetz will also lead the fight to eliminate $14 million in annual funding for the International Fund for Ireland, established in 1986 by the British and Irish governments to encourage reconciliation between nationalists and unionists throughout Ireland – good cause, but not the role of the US government.

I personally am hopeful that the caucus can also work on preventing new wasteful spending from being authorized – like the $400,000+ the NIH wants to spend to find out why men don’t like to wear condoms.

And speaking of fiscal discipline, first quarter spending reports are out and show Chaffetz office spending well under the amount allotted for expenses. Even after the expenses of setting up 2 new offices, with all new staff, he is on track to return well into 6 figures out of $1.4 million.  He spent some $40K less than his predecessor for the first quarter of last year. Congressman Rob Bishop is close behind Chaffetz and is expected to return hundreds of thousands of dollars to the federal government. Congressman Matheson spent the most of the Utah delegation but is still expected to have a surplus.