There were 1,013 federal programs in 1985, and at least 1,390 last year, in the midst of the program-cutting. More people work for the federal government than in all manufacturing industries combined, Rep. Dick Armey, R-Texas, says. Congress needs to cut positions, not just programs. Non-defense agencies such as Veterans's Affairs and Justice, have grown substantially. Fraud and waste continue and increase.
Education is a local responsibility.
There are 342 economic development programs, largely uncoordinated among the 13 agencies that run them. More than 90 early childhood programs and 131 juvenile programs are run by the government. To get a handle on this perplexing tangle of good intentions, Congress passed the Results Act. Armey vows this act will not be just another management fad. It already is producing results and will continue to be enforced vigorously, congressional leaders say.