Bill to eliminate inefficient programs pulled from House floor

House Republican leaders pulled from the floor legislation by Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., designed to eliminate inefficient and unnecessary federal programs, after it became apparent Thursday that enough Republicans had lingering concerns and would not vote for the measure.

Among those concerned was Appropriations Chairman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., who said the legislation "is not a big project of mine, but I'm not supporting it."

Transportation-Treasury Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Joseph Knollenberg, R-Mich., said the bill was "another budget mechanism that compromises the appropriators' role."

A source close to the legislation said it was "the victim of a bigger issue," claiming the debate was "coming down to the war between Chairman Lewis and the [Republican Study Committee]," citing an ongoing debate on legislation overhauling earmarks and granting the president line-item veto power.

The staffer said Lewis had made his opposition to the bill known to his subcommittee chairman.

Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., an appropriator, said that while "no one has talked to me about it," he opposes the bill, adding that "we don't need a commission to evaluate these agencies; that's what we're elected for."

Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman C.W. (Bill) Young, R-Fla., said establishing a commission was "a copout. It just passes the buck on something we should be doing as legislators."

A spokesman for Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the bill might return to the floor after the August recess.