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Subscribe to RSSThe AP writes (and NBC’s Kristen Welker confirms): “A senior administration official says President Barack Obama will ask Congress for more power to streamline the government by merging agencies. And if Obama gets the fast-track power he wants, his first proposal would be to combine sprawling trade and commerce operations into one. The official says Obama is seeking what the White House is calling a consolidation authority. It would allow the president to present specific cost-saving proposals to Congress and get a guaranteed up-or-down vote within 90 days. The official spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of an announcement by the president later Friday. Obama's first idea is to merge six departments and agencies that focus on commerce and trade. The goal would be to save money and help businesses by dumping duplicative programs and Web sites.”
President Obama will announce this at 11:20 am ET.
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Just because Pres. Obama is for it - I am sure the GNOP will be against it...after all - it saves money...so why would the rethugs want to save Fed. $$'s ...
Agree Paul...
They - the tea/gop party, keep insisting we reduce or eliminate "entitlements" and helpful programs such as Soc. Sec., Medicare/Medicaid, health, education and welfare stuff, but when it comes to doing away with agencies beneficial to them and the "1%" - the things THEY use - they will likely oppose it. Ridiculous!
Of course, this fantastic, helpful and necessary move would most certainly reduce spending and deficits, but as you point out, it is coming from President Obama and will again demonstrate beyond doubt his leadership, and - if implimented - would be another success (among MANY) of this Administration, so they will probably dig in their heels (again) mount stiff OPPOSITION (again) filibuster and try to prevent it from coming to the floor of Congress (again) and, thus, hurt America and her citizens (AGAIN!)
Lets just keep an eye on this and REMEMBER how the tea/gop treats this effort in November.
the republicans have GOT to make sure that "In God We Trust" stays on our money before anything else. Even if it means bringing it up for vote time and time again!
This is a good thing for the country and very smart political move for President Obama. Once again the GOP will have egg all over their face if they do not vote for this or have any kind of clammering about it, and of course since it is not their idea they will have a problem with it. Now won't that be entertaining, watching bonner weave and spew his silly remarks against this when all they have spouted for years is how much they want smaller government.
Sounds like a great idea if indeed it is followed through. As long as consolidation also means eliminating positions that overlap. Methinks there may be just a shift of personnel rather than "letting people go" and therefore would only shift the cost to another agency/department. Sounds good going forward but let's see how it shakes out.
Of course I won't hold my breath for the headline "Agency Consolidation Adds to Unemployment Woes" as the media would not downplay the miraculous decision by the POTUS by letting it be known that his decision led to more people being out of work. Goes against the "creating jobs" fairy tale.
Yes, obama has a wonderful record of saving us money! Who are you kidding!!!!
In the last 3 plus years obama has increased the Federal Government by over 13%! Now he is stealing a Republican issue (streamline/reduce government inefficiency) as his own, what a poor excuse for a leader we have!
Sam, I agree... Obama has some sort of ulterior motive here... combining commerce and USTR! I don't know what it is but helping reduce the cost of government is way out of character for this guy! It is probably just an election tactic aimed at getting independent or libetarian votes! I don't trust the guy, never will!
Romney/Rubio sounds good to me in 2012
Another way to look at it is that Obama recognizes a good idea when he hears one, no matter where it comes from. I have noticed him doing that before and I think it's a good trait in a President.
Smart move President Obama! I like the way you think (Chess Master)!!
President Obama here is another great move for you dealing with the pipeline. In your agreement you have the option to allow the people from the states that will be affected a vote. Make a case that you want the people to vote on the pipeline. This will make it the people's choice, and votes will not come until November at the earliest!!
I like your style!! Obama 2012
You're right Tommy, what a slick political move by the President! I just wish he'd as hard to help the country as he does trying to get re-elected!
He is Robin! Look at all that he has accomplish! Woman's right to equal pay, health Insurance, Don't ask Don't tell. Do you want me to give you the list?
Despite their rhetoric, Republican Presidents from Nixon to Bush JR. have grown the federal government, run up federal deficits, and increased entitlement spending.
I think it's about time we shelved the old stereotype that Republicans are fiscal conservatives and give the Democrats their due for managing government. (See Clinton, surplus. See Carter, tackled energy costs.)
Carter "tackled energy costs"? I don't think so.
Clinton was HANDED a surplus by the Republicans. He didn't send a balanced budget to Congress until years later.
And we are under 8% unemployment because Lord Obama said it wouldn't go above 8% in February 2009. That was when it was around 6.5%. So there is the Democrats' due. Every month it remains above 8%, Obama's proven a LIAR!
Instead of giving Comrade Obama even more power than he has already STOLEN, the Republicans should just combine various agencies and see what Obama will do with his minions in the Senate! This is a ploy. The AFSCME will fight it tooth and nail. This is just a garbage proposal by the liar-in-chief!
Time to start running out the clock in this game.
Wait 89 days, then have a discussion and make some really one-sided proposals with GOP riders attached to all of them, When it's rejected by the Senate, call them obstructionists.
Do this three times, and.....it's election time folks. This is right out of Harry Reid's playbook.