WHAT IS THE PRECEDENT FOR THE EFFICIENCY PANEL?
In February 1982, former president Ronald Reagan announced he would form a group of private sector experts to recommend ways to eliminate inefficiency and waste. That June, his executive order formed a panel that became known as the Grace Commission for its chairman J Peter Grace, former CEO of WR Grace and Co.
Grace raised money to fund the effort through a foundation. About 150 business leaders volunteered time on an executive committee that oversaw 36 Grace Commission task forces, which reviewed agencies or functions.
The Commission issued a report in January 1984 with 2,500 recommendations. The task forces came out with reports as well.
“Most of the recommendations, especially those requiring legislation from Congress, were never implemented,” the Reagan Library said.
In March 2017, Trump signed an executive order aiming to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability and “eliminate or reorganize unnecessary federal agencies.” It directed each agency to submit a plan to reorganize. He signed a separate executive order to place “regulatory reform” task forces and officers within agencies.
Trump unsuccessfully tried to kill at least 19 agencies during his first term. He called for eliminating the Overseas Private Investment Corporation that helps spur private investment in foreign development projects and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. He also tried to cut funding for Amtrak, subsidies for rural airline service and the Special Olympics.
Source: CNA
