Duplication and overlap in dozens of areas of government is wasting "tens of billions of dollars annually," a new government report shows.
According to the Government Accountability Agency's 2012 annual report, nearly every department of the Executive Branch has room for improvement.
The report, which gives 51 areas and recommends 130 actions, follows a 2011 GAO report that showed 81 areas and 176 actions to be taken to "reduce or eliminate unnecessary duplication, overlap, or fragmentation or achieve other potential financial benefits."
The reports show that, if the actions are implemented, the government could potentially save tens of billions of dollars annually according to Gene Dodaro, comptroller general for the United States.
Sen. Tom Coburn estimated that waste and duplication costs taxpayers more like $100 billion per year.
"Not one corner of our daily life remains untouched by a government program or federal effort," Coburn said in testimony being delivered Tuesday.
"From what we eat and drink, to where we live, work, and socialize, nearly every aspect of human behavior and American society are addressed by multiple government programs."
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