SPECIAL REPORT

Government Reorganization

President Obama has announced plans to seek authority from Congress to reorganize federal trade and business-related functions in the Commerce Department and other organizations, as well as elevate the Small Business Administration to Cabinet status.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
SPECIAL REPORT

Obama’s Picks for Commerce, USTR Revive Reorganization Talk

May 3 Pritzker and Froman would figure in a new business department.

Nine Government Reforms Obama Should Discuss with Romney

November 21, 2012 President Obama said in his first post-election press conference that he was going to ask Governor Romney’s advice on government reform. There has been a lot of advice developed in recent months! Here are some potential resources for them to draw upon.

Interior’s reorganization after Gulf oil spill falls short

August 30, 2012 Persistent challenges to gauging risks hampers quality of offshore oversight, GAO says.

Obama reorganization plan alive but not necessarily well

June 18, 2012 Senate action possible this summer, but GOP House may be less enthused.

Senators mull whether consolidation authority would cure duplication

March 21, 2012 Oversight committee leader Joe Lieberman hopes to grant Obama administration’s request this year.

A Scholar of the Bureaucracy Remembered

March 2, 2012

Obama establishes center to strengthen trade enforcement

February 28, 2012 Unit will coordinate agencies to protect U.S. firms and workers.

The White House's acting budget director Jeffrey Zients said the “government needs to be leaner, smarter, and more consumer-friendly."

Obama sends up draft bill for reorganization authority

February 16, 2012 OMB letter to House speaker promises Congress a continuing role in consolidation effort.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said government "expansion has occurred with little concern for streamlining government."

Congress urged to seize opportunity to reorganize government

February 16, 2012 Hearing on federal 'obesity' suggests Obama trade overhaul could be coupled with GOP efforts to shrink workforce.

NOAA grapples with uncertainty over Obama reorganization plan

February 7, 2012 Proposed move from Commerce to Interior adds to concern about budget cuts.

OMB tasks 11 agencies with documenting duplication

January 17, 2012 Focus is on creating transparency in trade, export and competitiveness functions.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said he hopes “this announcement represents the beginning of a sincere and dedicated effort to enact meaningful reforms.”

Obama reorganization bid faces challenges on Capitol Hill

January 13, 2012 Lawmakers express measured support, but some Republicans are skeptical of promised savings.

Agencies to release plans for streamlined regulations

August 23, 2011 Partly a response to criticism that Obama hasn't focused on business concerns, the plans don't go far enough for some.

Former Fed chairman backs new plan for overhauling government

June 21, 2011 Volcker and Sen. Warner welcome NYU professor’s plan to save $1 trillion by reorganizing to attack waste.

Obama government reorganization plan nearing release

June 8, 2011 OMB’s Zients draws ideas from watchdogs’ report on improving trade competitiveness.

Senate approves $5 billion in cuts to overlapping programs

April 7, 2011 Amendment would consolidate or eliminate duplicative government functions.

Obama solicits ideas from federal workers for government reform

March 30, 2011 In video, president suggests that help can come from workers themselves.

Progress cited on reorganization of government

March 22, 2011 OMB’s Jeffrey Zients says effort may involve short-term costs to achieve long-term gains.

White House officially begins government reorganization

March 11, 2011 Presidential memo directs top aides to look for ways to reduce duplication in trade and export agencies.

Reorganization effort to start with trade, export agencies

January 31, 2011 Obama plan could face pushback from public and private sector constituencies invested in the status quo.