The House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform today approved a bill (H.R. 1831) introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) that would establish a bipartisan commission to make recommendations to Congress and the president on how best to expand the use of data to evaluate the effectiveness of federal programs and tax expenditures. The bill was adopted by voice vote.
“I’m glad the committee has approved the bill, and now I’m going to work with my colleagues to pass it on the floor of the House,” said Ryan in a statement. As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Ryan is well-positioned to ensure the bill receives full consideration.
A companion bill (S. 991) has also been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who has been playing a substantial role in other evidence-based efforts, including a bipartisan effort to update the No Child Left Behind Act.
“I am glad to see the House move forward in committee on this common-sense bill that will work to improve our understanding of what is working in federal programs and the tax code, and what needs to be fixed,” said Murray.
“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this bill because improving how our government works shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”