Obama Power Grab?

[Cerulean Mutt]

Or long overdue reform?

http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/13/10148099-obama-seeks-power-to-merge-agencies

It'll be interesting to see where the opposition comes from on this. I'm thinking it'll one of the exceedingly rare occasions that'll draw bipartisan support and opposition.

Long overdue and sorely needed, IMHO.

 

[PhilFish]

It's a great idea...long overdue. Doesnt mean detractors wont whip up a shit storm...just for the hey of it....

 

[Barbella]

I think it's a great idea, Obama should win this one. If Repubs thwart him on this, I'll be pissed at THEM. Consolidating bureaucracies is also something that needs to be done on a local level....here in NJ, every little burg has it's own damn bureaucracy, including superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent, assistant assistant superintendents, and assistants to the assistants.

Consolidation would save millions, but so far, no one has wanted to touch this hot potato.

 

[OldGaffer]

Obama's first project would be to combine six major operations of the government that focus on business and trade.

They are: the Commerce Department's core business and trade functions; the Small Business Administration; the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; the Export-Import Bank; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and the Trade and Development Agency. The goal would be one agency designed to help businesses thrive.

The White House says 1,000 to 2,000 jobs would be cut, but the administration would do so through attrition; that is, as people routinely leave their jobs over time.

The administration said the merger would save $3 billion over 10 years by getting rid of duplicative overhead costs, human resources divisions and programs.

This should be passed on the next day after it is proposed, there can be no compelling argument against doing this.