Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) was joined by U.S. Representative David Jolly (FL-13) to introduce the bipartisan Savings, Accountability, Value, and Efficiency Act to cut approximately $479 billion in government spending over 10 years by rooting out waste and improving efficiency. Also joining Murphy in introducing the SAVE Act are Reps. Brad Ashford (D-NE), Andy Barr (R-KY), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Eric Swalwell (D-CA). (Please click here to view a copy of the legislation and find further details on the provisions included in the bill below).
In the 113th Congress, Murphy introduced three bipartisan SAVE Acts (H.R. 1999, H.R. 3146, and H.R. 5152), which would have cut an estimated $332 billion in wasteful government spending. Additionally, he put forward several common-sense amendments to appropriations bills taken from proposals in the SAVE Acts, with seven passing with broad bipartisan support in the House, cutting billions in federal spending. The bipartisan SAVE Act introduced today is an extension of these previous bills and amendments, combining those provisions and more into a single, comprehensive effort to cut wasteful spending and improve government efficiency.
"When the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released their annual economic outlook this week, it was great to see the progress that has been made to cut our nation's deficit by two-thirds. However, it was also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to get our nation's fiscal house in order," said Rep. Murphy. "The SAVE Act would cut $479 billion in government waste through common-sense provisions that have garnered bipartisan support. Leadership on both sides of the aisle must show they are willing to compromise to make the tough decisions that are needed to put our country on a fiscally sustainable path. This bill is a good start, showing the American people that Congress can work together to tackle these challenges, saving taxpayer money and making our government more accountable."
“One of Congress’ top priorities should be continually looking for ways to reduce the federal budget and alleviate the growing burden on American taxpayers," Rep. Jolly said. "The SAVE Act provides common sense savings by rooting out waste and improving government efficiency that should be supported by all Members of Congress.”
Major Provisions in the SAVE Act:
Bulk Buying – SAVE would promote strategic sourcing across federal agencies, leveraging massive federal buying power to lower prices.
Contract Competition – SAVE would improve best practices in federal agency contract competition to reduce the number of noncompetitive contracts and to reduce expenses.
Data Centers – SAVE would consolidate data centers across federal agencies to allow for cost savings and increased efficiency.
Medicare and Medicaid Fraud – SAVE would improve the ability of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to find and eliminate fraud through better data collection and analysis
Property Management – SAVE would improve management and utilization of the government’s 400,000 buildings to reduce expenses on excess or underutilized space.
Effective Foreign Aid – SAVE would study foreign aid for waste and inefficient spending.
No Passports for Delinquent Taxpayers – SAVE would cancel passports of citizens who owe more than $50,000 in taxes, similar to how the State Department takes passports from citizens who owe more than $2,500 in child support.
Software License Management – SAVE would require government to end fragmented and ineffective software practices by buying in bulk and shedding unnecessary licenses.
Codify Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Spending – SAVE would codify OMB’s guidance on how the Overseas Contingency Operations fund may be used for non-war activities, using the same language that the House passed in the NDAA for 2015.
Energy Efficient Buildings – SAVE would require agencies to implement energy-efficient initiatives via performance savings contracts.
Duplicative Senior Health Payments – SAVE would study redundant or accidental payments on behalf of individuals simultaneously enrolled in both the VA and Medicare Advantage.
No Tax Refunds for Identity Thieves – SAVE would study how to eliminate the more than 1 million tax refund applications each year that show characteristics of identity theft.
Streamline Department of Defense Language Programs – SAVE would streamline the military's contracting, translation, and interpretation services to enhance cross-branch applicability.
Private Sector Audit of the Department of Defense – SAVE would authorize a private sector audit once Department of Defense is auditable to incentivize greater discovery and implementation of potential efficiencies.
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