Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of the Federal Sunset Act of 2008 (H.R. 5794). This bill would cut wasteful federal spending by creating a bi-partisan commission to hold agencies accountable for performance.

The legislation would establish a twelve year sunset date for every federal agency; at which time they would be up for a top to bottom assessment on their present day merit, effectiveness, and responsiveness to taxpayers. Ineffective and outdated programs would be eliminated, or ‘sunsetted,’ while effective programs would be renewed to continue their service to taxpayers. 
 
"Everyday businesses evaluate policy, programs and other expenditures to determine if money is being spent wisely," said Simpson. "The federal government should be held to these same standards. If agencies reviews occur, then recommendations will be made whether programs should continue, be reorganized or simply be abolished."

Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) first introduced the bi-partisan measure in 1997. The measure has passed through committee, and even received overwhelming support on the House floor as an amendment in past sessions, but has never been considered as a stand-alone bill on the floor.

"We know the federal government can do better," said Simpson. "Many programs are tasked with the same goal. Perhaps streamlining these initiatives will help eliminate wasteful spending while providing much needed services."

To date there are 64 separate welfare programs, 500 urban aide programs, 342 economic development programs, and 163 programs with a job training or employment function, just a few examples of where the taxpayers’ money is going.

H.R. 5794 is based on state sunset laws in Texas, which have successfully curbed government waste by requiring agencies and programs to face regular scrutiny and possibly elimination or consolidation, if they cannot prove their value to taxpayers.