Bill to codify assessments

The performance of all federal programs would have to be addressed at least once every five years under a bill introduced by Rep. Todd R. Platts, R-Pa.

Platts, chairman of the House Government Reform subcommittee on efficiency and financial management, said he introduced the Program Assessment and Results Act to improve the effectiveness of government operations. OMB would work with federal agencies to conduct the reviews.

"Unless we take an empirical, systematic look at programs ... we will never know whether we are meeting goals or providing services to the public in the most effective way possible," Platts said.