[Comments on H.R. 42]

GAO commented on H.R. 42, a bill to establish a commission on more effective government, with the declared objective to improve the quality of government in the United States and to restore public confidence in government at all levels. The commission would be required to study the organization, operation, and functioning of the Federal Government and the contributions of the State and local governments. GAO believes that a commission like the one proposed in H.R. 42 is needed and thinks that it could help focus public attention, discussion, analysis, and support on the steps needed to improve the Nation's ability to govern. A broad-based bipartisan commission like the one proposed would be able to address the governmental system as a whole.