Presidential Weekly Address - 18 April 2009

by Barack Obama

THE PRESIDENT: It's not news to say that we're living through challenging times the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Credit crisis it's made that downturn worse in the fiscal disaster that is accumulated over a period of years. In the year 2000 we have projected budget surpluses in the trillions. And Washington appeared to be on the road to the school's building. Eight years later when I walked in the door the projected budget deficit for this year alone was one point three.

In order to jumpstart our struggling economy we were forced to make investments that added to that deficit through the American recovery and reinvestment act. But as surely as our future depends on building a new energy economy controlling health care costs and insuring that our kids are once again the best educated in the world. It also depends on restoring a sense of responsibility. And accountability - federal budget. Without significant change to steer away from ever-expanding deficits and debt, we are on an unsustainable course.

So today we simply can't afford to perpetuate a system in Washington where politicians and bureaucrats. Make decisions behind closed doors with little accountability for the consequences. Where billions are squandered on programs that outlived their usefulness. Or exist solely because the powerful lobbyist or interest group. And where outdated technology and information systems undermine efficiency. Threaten our security and failed to serve and engaged citizenry.

Before going to rebuild our economy on solid foundation we need to change the way we do business in Washington. We need to restore the American people's confidence in their government. That it is on their side spending their money wisely to meet their families' needs. That's starts with the painstaking work examining every program every entitlement every dollar of government spending, and asking ourselves: is this program really essential? Are taxpayers getting their money's worth?

We accomplish our goals more efficiently or effectively some other way. This process we've already begun scouring our budget line by line for programs that don't work so we can cut them to make room for ones that do. That means ending tax breaks for companies shipping jobs overseas. Stopping fraud and abuse in - Medicare program and reforming our health care system to cut costs for families and businesses. That means strengthening whistle blower protections for government employees who stepped forward to report wasteful spending. And it means reinstating the pay as you go rule that we followed during the 1990s.

So we want to spend we need to find somewhere else to cut. And this Monday in my first full cabinet meeting I will ask all my department and agency heads for specific proposals for cutting their budgets. Already members my - have begun to trim back unnecessary expenditures. Secretary Nepal tunnel for example is ending consulting contracts to create new seals and - that cost the Department of Homeland Security three million dollars since 2003.

In the largest Department, Secretary Gates has launched a historic project to reform defense contractor procedures, and eliminate hundreds of billions of dollars in wasteful spending and cost overruns. I commend senators McCain and Leavitt a Republican any Democrat who have teamed up to lead this effort in congress. Finally in the coming weeks I will be announcing the elimination of dozens of government programs shown to be wasteful or ineffective. In this effort there will be no sacred cows and no pet projects. All across America families are making hard choices and it's time their government did the same.

That's why I've assembled a team of management technology and budget experts to guide us in this work. Leaders will help us revamp government operations from top to bottom and ensure that the federal government is truly working for the American people. I've named Jeffrey science a leading CEO management consultant and -To serve as deputy director for management of the Office of Management and Budget. And as the first ever chief performance office, Jeffrey will work to streamline processes, cut costs and find best practices throughout our government.

Chopra, who's currently the Secretary of Technology for governor Tim Kaine of Virginia has agreed to serve as America's chief technology officer. In this role and he shall promote technological innovation to help achieve our most urgent priorities. From creating jobs and reducing health care costs to keeping our nation secure. Venetian Jeffrey will work closely Wheeler chief information officer perfect - Was responsible for setting technology policy across the government and using technology to improve security - true transparency and lower costs.

The goal is to give all Americans a voice in their government, and ensure that they know exactly how we're spending their money and can hold us accountable for the results. None of this will be big change Everest. But with the leadership of these individuals I am confident we can break our bad habits put an end to the mismanagement that has plagued our government. And start living within our means again. That's how we will get our deficits under control and move from recovery to prosperity. And that's how we will give the American people kind of government they expect and deserve. One that's efficient and accountable, and fully worthy of their trust.

Thank you.