SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL SPENDING PRACTICES, EFFICIENCY, AND OPEN GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS UNITED STATES SENATE SEPTEMBER 1975 Printed for the use of the Committee on Government Operation 57-400 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1975 Letter of Transmittal Senator ABRAHAM RIBICOFF, Chairman, Committee on Government Operations, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Subcommittee on Federal Spending Practices, Efficiency and Open Government which was mandated by the 94th Congress to investigate the efficiency and economy of Federal Spending Practices as applied and used to meet agency statutory charter and program objectives, is continuing that effort while also following a vigorous legislative calendar. One of the programs that has raised points of inquiry concerning its program objectives as well as criticism involving its efficiency is the Federal Food Stamp Program. The General Accounting Office issued a report dated February 28, 1975 which raised several valid points about the Food Stamp Program. Among the most glaring points of concern were: (1) Little uniformity in certification periods from state to state. (2) A very rapid increase in recipients in the past year. (3) A questionable quality control system that allows a high rate of eligibles to participate while at the same time limiting participation by eligible persons. (4) A needlessly complex and duplicative certification system for low income persons. (5) A wholly inadequate outreach program. It was the feeling of the subcommittee that these questions were of such importance that they should be addressed as soon as possible. The efficiency-and by implication the success-of any program should justly be subject to congressional scrutiny. There is little doubt that the Food Stamp's noble design-that of aiding the needy to provide for a nutritious meal-has strong congressional approval. I certainly endorse the original intent and design of the program. It is my hope that this report will serve to assist both in legislation and administrative actions those remedies that will enable the Food Stamp Program to fully live up to congressional intent. In anticipation of further Congressional action in this matter, I am hereby transmitting for publication as a committee Print the Report by the Subcommittee on the Food Stamp Program. Sincerely, LAWTON CHILES, Chairman |